How GE made history: a look back at an iconic conglomerate

When General Electric split into three separate businesses last month, the transition marked the end of a storied company that was for decades a fixture of American life — providing millions of families with everything from appliances and light bulbs to mortgage financing.

From the beginning of its 132-year history, GE was at the forefront of innovation. That applies even to some of the events that occurred before its founding.

It was in 1877, arguably, that spoken words were first recorded and replayed.