The Life of Croatian-Born Nikola Tesla

THE HISTORY AND LIFE OF NIKOLA TESLA

Nikola Tesla was a pioneering inventor and engineer who revolutionized electricity with his development of the alternating-current (AC) electrical system, which remains the standard for power distribution today. Born on July 10, 1856, in what is now Croatia, Tesla moved to the United States in 1884, where he worked with Thomas Edison for a short timee before they parted ways. He later sold patents for his AC technology to George Westinghouse, solidifying AC’s dominance. Tesla also invented the Tesla coil, still used in radio technology. Despite facing financial difficulties throughout his life, Tesla left an enduring legacy in science and technology, commemorated in part by the Tesla electric car company named after him.

Tesla’s Journey to Independence and Innovation

After finishing his education, Nikola Tesla moved to Hungary, where he came up with the induction motor. Looking for better opportunities, he moved to the United States in 1884 and sought out Edison. Tesla briefly worked with Edison to improve direct current (DC) systems, but they had differing priorities: Edison’s focus was on business, while Tesla’s was on innovation. This led to their split, after which Tesla faced financial struggles. He founded the Tesla Electric Light Company in 1885 to improve arc lighting, but once he was successful, the investors in his business forced him out. For a time, he worked as a laborer to survive. Then, in 1887, he secured funding to establish the Tesla Electric Company, which launched some of his most successful projects.

Tesla’s Groundbreaking Contributions

Tesla made significant advances in science and technology, inventing and improving some of the most vital systems and devices of his time. Among his most impactful achievements were the alternating-current (AC) electrical system, the Tesla coil, and early designs for hydroelectric power plants.

Alternating Current

Tesla’s AC system, developed in the late 1880s, became the standard for power transmission worldwide, overcoming competition from Thomas Edison’s direct-current (DC) system. His work with George Westinghouse, who purchased Tesla’s AC patents, propelled the system’s success, including its debut at the 1893 World’s Colombian Exposition.

Tesla also pioneered the use of AC electricity in hydroelectric power generation, notably designing one of the first AC hydroelectric power plants at Niagara Falls in 1895. This innovation showcased how natural resources could be harnessed for large-scale energy production.

Tesla Coil

Another key invention, the Tesla coil, revolutionized wireless communication. Patented in the late 1800s, it laid the groundwork for radio transmission and other wireless technologies. Tesla used this coil for groundbreaking experiments in X-rays, wireless power, and the study of electromagnetic forces.

Wireless Power and Beyond

In the early 1900s, Nikola Tesla set out to revolutionize energy transmission through his ambitious Wardenclyffe Tower project. This massive electrical tower, built on Long Island with backing from investors like J.P. Morgan, was designed to provide free, wireless energy and global communication. Despite his enthusiasm, doubts grew among investors about the feasibility of Tesla’s vision. Compounding the challenges, rival Guglielmo Marconi was making significant advances in radio technology, supported by figures like Andrew Carnegie and Edison. By 1906, Tesla was forced to give up on the project, laying off staff and leaving Wardenclyffe in foreclosure by 1915. The tower was later sold as scrap metal to settle Tesla’s debts.

Following this setback, Tesla had a nervous breakdown. He eventually resumed work as an advisor for other companies, but his ideas became increasingly unconventional. One of his most controversial proposals was for a “death ray,” a weapon in which the Soviet Union showed brief interest during World War II. In his later years, Tesla grew more eccentric, dedicating much of his time to caring for the pigeons in New York City parks.

Tesla’s Death and Lasting Influence

Tesla died of coronary thrombosis at age 86 on Jan. 7, 1943, in New York City, where he had spent most of his life. Despite dying in poverty and relative obscurity, Tesla’s contributions to science and technology are still celebrated today. In recognition of his work, a street corner near his former lab in New York was named Nikola Tesla Corner in 1994. In addition, Tesla’s life has been featured in films including The Secret of Nikola Tesla (1980), Nikola Tesla, the Genius Who Lit the World (1994), and The Prestige (2006). In 2003, the Croatian inventor’s name was further honored when Tesla Motors (now known as Tesla Inc.) was founded. Tesla’s legacy lives on through the electric car revolution, demonstrating that his vision for the future is still shaping technological advances today.

The Fate of Wardenclyffe

The Wardenclyffe property, once home to Tesla’s ambitious energy project, changed owners multiple times after Tesla’s bankruptcy. Attempts to make it a national historic site were unsuccessful, but in 2008, the Tesla Science Center (TSC) was created with the goal of turning the site into a museum. With the help of online fundraising led by cartoonist Matthew Inman, the TSC secured the funds required to purchase the property in 2013. In 2018, the Wardenclyffe site was added to the National Register of Historic Places and restoration efforts began. However, a fire in 2023 delayed further development, and the site remains closed to the public.

Additional Resources

This page was last updated with help by Marco Permunian