Oldest Photograph
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
America's earliest surviving photograph was made here about Sept. 25, 1839. Using a cigar box and crude lens, Joseph Saxton of the U.S. Mint created an image of Central High School (now demolished) shortly after Daguerre had announced his process in France.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Only weeks after Louis Daguerre unveiled his photographic process in France, an American set out to try it for himself. Around September 25, 1839, Joseph Saxton of the U.S. Mint rigged a cigar box and a crude lens to capture an image of Philadelphia's Central High School. The small, faint picture that resulted is the earliest surviving photograph made in the United States.
Why it matters
This improvised experiment marks the very beginning of photography in America, the medium that would come to record the nation's history.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Bridgette Mayer0.6 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- African American Museum in Philadelphia0.6 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Congress Hall0.7 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center0.7 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Independence Visitor Center0.7 mi away · 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Hall0.7 mi away · 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- Reading Terminal0.3 mi away
- One Liberty Observation Deck0.3 mi away
- Chinatown Friendship Gate0.4 mi away · 10th and Arch Street
- The Universal Sphere0.5 mi away
- Liberty Bell0.7 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- President's House0.7 mi away
Food & drink
- Philly Pretzel Factory0.5 mi away
- Munchie’s Cafe0.5 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Burger King0.5 mi away
- El Azteca0.5 mi away
- Fat Salmon0.5 mi away · 719 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Maya's Pizza & Grill0.5 mi away · 716 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Holiday Inn Expressnearby · 1305-11 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Residence Inn Philadelphia Center City0.1 mi away · 1 East Penn Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Loews Philadelphia Hotel0.1 mi away · 1200 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Cambria Hotel Philadelphia Downtown - Center City0.2 mi away · 219 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Canopy by Hilton Philadelphia Center City0.2 mi away · 1180 Ludlow Street, Philadelphia, PA
- The Notary Hotel0.2 mi away · 21 North Juniper Street, Philadelphia
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Related people
- · Joseph Saxton
- · Louis Daguerre
Related events
- · Making of America's earliest surviving photograph
Themes & tags
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