Section of the First Transatlantic Cable, 1858
Add to SetSummary
Telegraphs could be sent wherever wires could be hung in the 1850s, but hardwiring signals between transoceanic continents required a feat of engineering. In 1858, a team laid underwater cable across the Atlantic and sent a successful telegram. Though the cable soon failed, pieces were sold as souvenirs in Charles Tiffany's renowned jewelry store as symbols of speed and progress.
Telegraphs could be sent wherever wires could be hung in the 1850s, but hardwiring signals between transoceanic continents required a feat of engineering. In 1858, a team laid underwater cable across the Atlantic and sent a successful telegram. Though the cable soon failed, pieces were sold as souvenirs in Charles Tiffany's renowned jewelry store as symbols of speed and progress.
Artifact
Transatlantic cable
Date Made
1858
Creators
Place of Creation
United Kingdom, England, Sheffield
Creator Notes
Possibly made by Sheffield Works of Sheffield, England.
Keywords
Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador
Field, Cyrus W. (Cyrus West), 1819-1892
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
41.74.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of All American Cables and Radio, Inc.
Material
Brass (Alloy)
Copper (Metal)
Inscriptions
Brass ferrule: ATLANTIC TELEGRAPH CABLE / GUARANTEED BY / TIFFANY & CO. / BROADWAY - NEW YORK - 1858
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