Edison Machine Works, Goerck Street, New York, New York, 1881

In 1881, Thomas Edison formed the Edison Machine Works to produce dynamos that would generate the electricity used to light homes and businesses outfitted with his newly invented incandescent lamps. In addition to making direct current generators, Edison Machine Works employees designed, and tested new equipment. Nikola Tesla worked there for six months in 1884 before leaving to develop an alternating current arc lighting system.