Fitz Hugh Lane (Nathaniel Rogers Lane was his given name) was born in Gloucester, Massachusetts. He was crippled since childhood and walked with crutches, a condition attributed to childhood disease.

He received virtually no art training until the 1830's when he went to work for Boston lithographer William S. Pendleton, where he drew views of Boston Harbor and maritime architectural drafts. During this time, the marine painter Robert Salmon became a friend and a major influence in his life and art.