Nellie Bly completes her round-the-world journey
Nellie Bly, an American journalist, completed her extraordinary journey around the world in a record-breaking 72 days. She embarked on this ambitious trip to beat the fictional character Phileas Fogg's time of 80 days, set in Jules Verne's novel 'Around the World in Eighty Days.' Bly's journey began and ended in New York City, taking her through multiple countries including England, France, India, and Japan. Her remarkable feat captured the public's imagination and showcased the potential for women's achievements in journalism.
Completed the journey in 72 days, 6 hours
First solo woman to travel around the world
Challenge inspired by Jules Verne's novel
Influenced women's roles in journalism
What Happened?
Nellie Bly, a pioneering American journalist, set off on her ambitious journey around the globe in an attempt to complete it in less time than the fictional adventurer Phileas Fogg, from Jules Verne's novel 'Around the World in Eighty Days.' Bly's trip started on November 14, 1889, from Hoboken, New Jersey. Traveling alone, she braved numerous challenges and navigated cultural differences, showcasing her immense determination and savvy. Throughout her journey, she made several stops, including England, France, Egypt, India, and Japan, before returning to New York City on January 25, 1890. Bly traveled by ship, train, and other forms of transportation, all meticulously planned, despite some unforeseen delays and challenges. Notably, she had to make adjustments to her itinerary due to conflicts and limited schedules in various countries. On her return, she was welcomed as a national hero, and her achievement not only captivated the public but also sparked conversations about women’s roles in society and journalism. This famous expedition highlighted the spirit of adventure and the possibilities of globalization that were emerging in that era. Bly’s experiences were chronicled in her writings, which received tremendous media attention and inspired future generations of women to pursue ambitious careers. Her completion time was 72 days, 6 hours, and 11 minutes, a record that stood for many years.
Why Does it Matter?
Nellie Bly's round-the-world journey is considered a landmark moment in journalism and women's history. It demonstrated the capabilities of women in a field dominated by men and inspired many to break societal norms. Furthermore, the coverage of her journey helped establish the importance of investigative journalism and adventurous storytelling, thus shaping modern media practices while encouraging a spirit of global exploration.