Launch Point

Before smartphones, before satellites, even before rotary phones, there was Morse code, a system of dots and dashes that transformed the way humans communicated across distance. Born in the early 19th century, Morse code was more than just a clever invention. It laid the groundwork for global telecommunications and continues to echo through history as a symbol of simplicity, resilience, and ingenuity.

The story begins with Samuel Morse, an American artist and inventor, who after receiving the tragic news of his wife’s death too late to attend her funeral, became obsessed with creating a faster long-distance communication system. Alongside Alfred Vail, Morse developed the telegraph and its corresponding language: a code in which each letter of the alphabet was represented by a sequence of short and long electrical signals, or “dots and dashes.”

In 1844, Morse sent the first official message from Washington, D.C. to Baltimore: “What hath God wrought?” That transmission changed everything. Suddenly, news that once took days or weeks to travel by horse or ship could be sent in minutes. The telegraph revolutionized journalism, diplomacy, and warfare, with Morse code at its heart.

Morse code spread quickly, becoming the backbone of the communication network in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It connected continents through transatlantic cables and later became essential in railroad systems, maritime communication, and military operations, especially during the World Wars. Operators, trained to “hear” the rhythmic patterns of dots and dashes, could send and receive messages at remarkable speeds—without ever needing a common spoken language. I’m in awe of their speed as I am currently in the “infancy” learning stage!

The real beauty of Morse code lies in its efficiency and adaptability. It requires no internet, no power grid, just a simple transmitter and receiver. This made it vital during wartime, natural disasters, or anywhere modern infrastructure failed. Even space agencies used Morse-based systems in early satellite and deep-space missions. Personally, I find the beauty in the juxtaposition of such simplicity with its breadth and impact.

Though largely replaced today by digital communication, Morse code’s legacy endures. Amateur radio operators (or “hams”) still use it as a reliable backup language during emergencies. It’s even recognized as an international distress signal—the famous SOS (… — …) being perhaps the most iconic example. As a HAM myself, I was not required to learn Morse, but the history of impact drew me in. It is clearly not a trending skill to have amongst my ‘meta-verse’ generation, but still retains an elusive vibe.

Beyond function, Morse code holds cultural significance. It’s taught in military academies, used in survival training, and embedded in history lessons around resilience and innovation. Some people like me even learn it as a hobby or personal challenge, treating it like a lost language worth preserving. As an intern at a radio communications museum, I have had the immense fortune of hearing stories of personal Morse code use by volunteer veterans. There is a beautiful bond between these men who were on the frontlines in different capacities using this mode of communication with grave impact for their peers. Morse was once a necessity in their lives and now remains a hobby that has bridged a community. 

In an age defined by instant messaging and high-speed data, Morse code reminds us that effective communication doesn’t have to be flashy. It just has to work. It also speaks to something timeless: innovation, and the human desire to connect across distance, against odds, and through any means available. A legacy that still speaks volumes, even in dots and dashes.

*Thanks to all the Docent Volunteers at the NJ Infoage – Radio Museum for taking the time to share their personal experiences and generous time in teaching me Morse.