The Genesis of American Photography: When Were the First Photographs Taken?

The history of photography in the United States traces back to the early 19th century. This era is marked by pioneering experiments and the creation of what could be considered the first photographs in the country. The origins of these early photographic endeavors are shrouded in some mystery, yet intriguing discoveries have shed light on the context and process of these early photographs.

Early Photographic Experiments

Photography was a darling of the scientific community in the early 1800s. The invention of the camera obscura, a device that projects images on a surface, laid the groundwork for photographic experimentation. Around 1820/21, Samuel Morse, a renowned inventor known for his invention of the electric telegraph, and his friend Benjamin Silliman attempted to capture these projected images using a camera obscura. Their experiments, while groundbreaking, were unsuccessful in producing lasting photographic images. The images they managed to create were color inverted and would fade over time.

John William Draper: A Pioneering Photographer

John William Draper, a prominent chemist, conducted extensive studies on photochemistry in the mid-1830s. By 1839, he ventured into the realm of photography. Draper claimed to have used the calotype method, a process involving collodion on a paper negative, to take photographs at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia. However, the resolution and clarity of these early photographs were quite low, and it is unclear whether these images have survived.

Not long after, in the late September to early October 1839, Draper switched to the daguerreotype method. This process involved a copper plate coated with silver and exposed to iodine, sensitizing it to light. The daguerreotype method produced more detailed and permanent images compared to the earlier techniques. At least one of these photographs taken by Draper has survived and is believed to be a portrait of Samuel Morse.

The First Surviving Reliable Photograph

The earliest reliably datable photograph ever taken in the United States was captured by Joseph Saxton on September 25, 1839. Saxton, a surveyor and astronomer, used the daguerreotype method to photograph the Philadelphia Central High School. This photograph provides a clear and detailed record of the building, marking a significant milestone in the history of American photography.

Impact and Legacy

The early experiments and photographs in the United States laid the foundation for what would become a vibrant and influential field. The innovations of Morse, Silliman, Draper, and Saxton demonstrated the potential of photography to capture and preserve images in a manner never before possible. These early pioneers not only contributed to the scientific understanding of light and chemistry but also paved the way for the modern era of photography.

Conclusion

The first photographs taken in the United States trace back to the early 1830s and 1840s, with notable contributions from Samuel Morse, John William Draper, and Joseph Saxton. These early experiments in photography were both challenging and groundbreaking, leading to the development of more advanced techniques and the eventual proliferation of photography as a widespread and beloved art form.