Events in 1844

May 24, 1844

First American Telegraph Line

Samuel Morse and his team completed the first telegraph line in America, connecting Washington D.C. to Baltimore across 40 miles. The historic first message 'What hath God wrought?' marked the beginning of instant electrical communication in the United States.

November 5, 1844

Polk's Presidential Victory

James K. Polk emerged as the unexpected victor in the 1844 presidential election, defeating Whig candidate Henry Clay in a closely contested race that shaped America's territorial expansion.