<P> The history of cinema in the United States can trace its roots to the East Coast where , at one time , Fort Lee , New Jersey was the motion - picture capital of America . The industry got its start at the end of the 19th century with the construction of Thomas Edison 's `` Black Maria '' , the first motion - picture studio in West Orange , New Jersey . The cities and towns on the Hudson River and Hudson Palisades offered land at costs considerably less than New York City across the river and benefited greatly as a result of the phenomenal growth of the film industry at the turn of the 20th century . </P>
<P> The history of cinema in the United States can trace its roots to the East Coast where , at one time , Fort Lee , New Jersey was the motion - picture capital of America . The industry got its start at the end of the 19th century with the construction of Thomas Edison 's `` Black Maria '' , the first motion - picture studio in West Orange , New Jersey . The cities and towns on the Hudson River and Hudson Palisades offered land at costs considerably less than New York City across the river and benefited greatly as a result of the phenomenal growth of the film industry at the turn of the 20th century . </P>
where were the first american film companies located
where were the first american film companies located
Fort Lee , New Jersey
Fort Lee , New Jersey