Thomas Edison was an American inventor born in 1847 in Ohio. He is best known for inventing the phonograph, motion picture camera, and long-lasting light bulb. Edison received little formal schooling and was largely self-taught. He went on to receive numerous awards and honors for his inventions and scientific work, including the Congressional Gold Medal. Edison had a profound influence on modern society through his inventions which helped drive technological and industrial progress in the late 19th century.