The need to feel safe around your home has existed since the first human settlements, although the methods of providing this safety have changed over time. Since ancient times, people have used pets to warn and ward off potential intruders. With the development of the industrial revolution, the need arose for more sophisticated security alarms.
Enter ADT, which was founded in the late 19th century. In honor of the company’s 150th anniversary, we’re looking back at the history of home security and the role ADT has played in the industry’s technological advancements.
A Brief History of Home Security
Start of home security before ADT
Home security before the industrial revolution
When cities first began and people began to build permanent homes, security was provided by watchtowers, walls, and other structures that protected the entire settlement. Guard dogs and other animals became a common solution in remote areas as they made noise to warn of intruders.
The Industrial Revolution brought densely populated cities across Europe and the United States, and with them came the need for a new way to curb crime. Although electricity was still a relatively new discovery, the invention of the electric telegraph in 1816 and the electromagnet in 1825 paved the way for what would eventually become a major tool in home security technology.
First burglar alarm
Reverend Augustus Russell Pope filed a patent for the first burglar alarm in 1853 in Somerville, Massachusetts. He used electromagnets and a telegraph system to ring a bell when a certain obstacle had been overcome.
This patent was eventually acquired by inventor Edwin Holmes, who sold the invention to New York businesses. The business was eventually acquired by the American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T) in 1905, which incorporated it into emergency calling systems for police and fire departments.
The base of the wind tunnel
Creation of ADT
ADT was founded as the American District Telegraph in 1874 by Edward A. Calahan. Calahan invented the stock ticker in 1863 to transmit stock information over telegraph lines. After suffering from a burglary, he was inspired to create a telegraph-based security alert system.
The system was based on telephone booths designed to signal for help to the central office in the event of a break-in. By connecting 50 other homes in the neighborhood, Calahan created the first network of residential security systems, which soon after became ADT.
First Security Monitoring Service
ADT also launched its first security monitoring service, hiring a neighborhood watch crew called Roundsmen to patrol the city every night to prevent burglaries and fires. Workers checked ADT telephone booths at regular intervals, which were also used to call messengers who could run errands and send messages.
The first automated security and fire alarm system
In the 1940s, ADT developed the first automated security system and the first automated fire alarm system. Through these systems, potential threats will be reported to ADT’s central monitoring centers, allowing customers to receive 24/7 monitoring and protection.
Home security in the digital age
The first audiovisual home security system
In 1966, Marie Van Brittan and Albert L. Brown applied for a patent for an audiovisual home security system. The patent mentioned an electrically controlled lock, a vertically retractable camera, speakers and a microphone. The camera was connected by radio to a television monitor inside the house, allowing the resident to see the person at his door and communicate with him from a distance.
First patented computer system
Shortly thereafter, in 1974, ADT celebrated its 100th anniversary by introducing its first computerized home security system.
ADT today
With the advent of Wi-Fi in 1997, cameras could now transmit video streams to monitoring centers directly and without the need for wires. This has made the installation of security systems much easier and reduced prices across the board. The invention of smartphones has also made it possible to monitor your home remotely.
ADT’s Pulse mobile app allowed customers to remotely access and control their home security system in real time, including moving security cameras and changing lighting. This, coupled with the ADT Command and Control smart home security system, has allowed ADT to remain relevant 150 years later and at the forefront of new security technologies.
ADT 150th Anniversary Summary
ADT, formerly known as the American District Telegraph Company, has been an industry leader in the home security world since its founding 150 years ago. Throughout all of the technological changes of the 20th century and beyond, ADT has been part of the continuous innovation and development of what we call the home security industry.