Today in History: First Telegraphic Message Sent

Morse apparatus and alphabet
Today in History–May 24–the Library of Congress features the first telegraphic message, sent on this day in 1844 by Samuel F. B. Morse. This invention opened up a whole new era in communications. Learn more about Morse the inventor, Morse the painter, and the telegraph by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access numerous related primary sources.

Samuel F.B. Morse Sent the First Telegraphic Message from America’s Library

The Magnetic Telegraph – it’s SuccessNew-York Daily Tribune, May 27, 1844

Morse’s Magnetic TelegraphSunbury American, June 15, 1844

More telegraph newspaper articles from May and June, 1844

American Treasures from the Library

Telegraph maps and charts

Telegraph sheet music

Telegraph images

Telegraph-related legislation

Books and texts articles related to the telegraph

Telegraph-related recollections, correspondence & drawings

Related resources