The history of GE dates back to Thomas A. Edison. In 1876 Edison opened his Menlo Park, NJ, laboratory, from which came perhaps the greatest invention of the age - a successful incandescent electric lamp. In 1890, Edison established the Edison General Electric Company by bringing his various businesses together. Two years later Edison's company combined with a competitor. They called the new organization the General Electric Company.
Several of Edison's early business offerings are still part of GE today, including lighting, transportati...