Machine Used to Strand Transatlantic Cable, 1860-1865
Artifact
Cable strander
Date Made
1860-1865
Summary
Laying telegraph cable across the Atlantic Ocean in the 1860s was a huge undertaking. This massive cable stranding machine was used in Greenwich, England, to wind together the different elements of the cable: iron for strength, copper for conductivity, gutta-percha rubber for insulation, and tarred hemp for durability. Following several failed attempts, the heavy, flexible cable was laid successfully by the SS Great Eastern in 1866.
Creators
Place of Creation
Object ID
31.442.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Anaconda Wire & Cable Co.
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
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Machine Used to Strand Transatlantic Cable, 1860-1865
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