Katharine Burr Blodgett was born in Schenectady, New York, a location that would later become central to her professional life. Her father, George Reddington Blodgett, was a patent attorney for General Electric. Sadly, he was murdered in their home when Katharine was just nine years old, marking a significant turning point early in her life.

Following her father's death, Katharine and her family moved to France for several years, where she received early education. She later attended a private school in New York City. These early experiences broadened her horizons and exposed her to diverse cultures, likely fostering her curiosity and intellectual development.