Which French honor did Thomas Edison receive in 1881?

Thomas Edison received France’s Legion of Honour in 1881.

The French government made Edison a chevalier of the Legion of Honour, recognizing his contributions to electrical invention and technology. The award came during the period when his electric-light system and other inventions were attracting international attention.

The Legion of Honour is France’s highest order of merit and is awarded for outstanding military or civilian achievement. Edison’s honor should not be confused with the Congressional Gold Medal, which he received from the United States in 1928, or with honors from other countries. The French award reflected Edison’s international reputation while he was still actively developing new technologies.