When Did Thomas Edison Die?
QUICK ANSWER
Thomas Edison died on October 18, 1931, at age 84, at his home Glenmont in West Orange, New Jersey. The cause was complications of diabetes after years of declining health. President Herbert Hoover requested Americans dim their lights briefly in tribute. Edison was buried at his Glenmont estate, where his grave can be visited today.
Thomas Edison's death in 1931 marked the end of an era in American innovation. The inventor had lived through extraordinary technological transformations, many of which he had personally driven. His final years saw declining health but continued mental engagement with science and industry. Understanding the circumstances of Edison's death reveals how Americans honored the man who had transformed their daily lives.
When did Thomas Edison die?
Thomas Edison died on October 18, 1931, at the age of 84. According to Britannica's biography of Edison, he passed away at his home Glenmont in West Orange, New Jersey. He had been in declining health for several years, suffering from complications of diabetes. In his final weeks, Edison was bedridden as his condition worsened. He died peacefully at home in the early morning hours. His death came at a time of significant economic stress in America (the Great Depression was deepening), making his loss feel especially poignant to a nation looking to its great innovators.
Where did Edison die?
Edison died at Glenmont, his 29-room mansion in Llewellyn Park in West Orange, New Jersey. He had purchased the property in 1886 and lived there for the rest of his life with his second wife Mina Miller Edison and their family. Glenmont was located near Edison's West Orange laboratory complex, where most of his later work was conducted. Today both Glenmont and the laboratory are part of the Thomas Edison National Historical Park, operated by the National Park Service. Visitors can tour both the mansion where Edison died and the lab where he worked, seeing the actual environments of his final decades.
What was the cause of death?
The official cause of Edison's death was complications of diabetes, along with other ailments common in someone his age. Edison had been diagnosed with diabetes years earlier and his health had been declining for several years before his death. He also suffered from kidney problems and gastric difficulties. Despite his health issues, Edison had continued working into his final years, traveling to his Florida winter home and remaining engaged with his businesses and research projects. The combination of advancing age and chronic diabetes ultimately led to his decline. He had been bedridden for about two months before his death.
How did the nation mourn?
Edison's death prompted nationwide mourning. President Herbert Hoover requested Americans dim their lights briefly at 10 PM on October 21, 1931 (the day of Edison's funeral), in tribute to the inventor who gave America electric lighting. Many complied. Edison's funeral drew thousands of mourners and dignitaries. Newspapers worldwide ran extensive obituaries. Edison was buried at Glenmont in West Orange. His wife Mina lived until 1947 and is buried beside him.
Thomas Edison died on October 18, 1931, at age 84, at his Glenmont home in West Orange, New Jersey. The cause was complications of diabetes after years of declining health. President Hoover requested Americans dim their lights in tribute. Edison is buried at Glenmont, now part of Thomas Edison National Historical Park, where visitors can tour both his home and his laboratory.
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