Here's a breakdown:
* Origins: While ASL has roots in French Sign Language (LSF), it developed independently and diverged significantly.
* Early Development: The first recognized school for the deaf in the US was established in Hartford, Connecticut in 1817. This school, and others that followed, utilized a form of sign language primarily based on LSF.
* Evolution: Over time, these sign languages, influenced by the experiences and language preferences of Deaf communities, continued to evolve. ASL took on its unique form, becoming distinct from its LSF origins.
* Formalization: While ASL wasn't "invented" by a single person or institution, it was formally recognized and standardized through the work of educators and deaf activists in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
So, while ASL doesn't have a single "invention" point, its development and formalization can be traced back to the early schools for the deaf in the United States, particularly in the northeastern region.