Around 1845, Henry Fitz, Jr. became the first important American manufacturer of precision optics. In the nearly twenty years that he was in business he produced a series of increasingly large and impressive astronomical telescopes that were able to compete on every level with the finest European instruments. On five separate occasions he built what was, at the time, the largest telescope in the world; and during his working period he dominated the American telescope market.

But how was Fitz, who was trained as a locksmith and received no formal instruction in optics, able to do this? Like a handful of other Americans during this period, he was able to develop basic lens and mirror making skills through study and diligent practice. The basic techniques of lens grinding hadn't changed significantly since the 17th century and were accessible through books. Similarly, optical glass, abrasives and polishing materials could be ordered from European suppliers. It was perfectly possible for a determined individual to make a reasonably competent, moderately-sized telescope and perhaps even make a handful more to sell.

This is what Fitz did, but how was it possible for him to turn a hobby into a business and then - within just a few years - to compete successfully against the best precision optical manufacturers in Europe? Fitz's personal qualities of skill, hard-work, determination and thrift have traditionally been credited with making this possible, but a more historiographic approach would suggest that the particular economic, technical and social conditions of his time should also be considered. Surprisingly, re-examination of Fitz's correspondence during this period indicates that his brief involvement with early daguerreotype portraiture and his subsequent business relations with the New York photographic and scientific communities seem to have provided him with the opportunity to develop the optical skills and methods of production needed to found a thriving business - and to establish an American optical manufacturing industry.