Nellie Bly Begins Epic World Journey
November 14th, 1889
November 14th, 1889
How Long Ago?
135 years, 4 months, 1 day ago
Location
Worldwide
Category
Exploration & Discovery
People
- Nellie Bly
- Elizabeth Cochrane
Links & References
Tags
Nellie Bly Begins Epic World Journey
Nellie Bly, a groundbreaking female journalist, embarked on a remarkable journey to circumnavigate the globe in less than 80 days. Starting her trip at the docks of Hoboken, New Jersey, she aimed to beat the fictional record set by Jules Verne's character Phileas Fogg. Bly's adventurous spirit and determination captured the imagination of the public, as she traveled through numerous countries, facing various challenges and reporting her experiences. Her successfully completed journey in just 72 days garnered widespread acclaim and solidified her legacy as a pioneering figure in journalism and women's rights.
Bly traveled primarily by ship and train.
She faced various cultural and logistical challenges.
Her journey lasted only 72 days.
Bly's reports captivated the public's imagination.
What Happened?
Nellie Bly, born Elizabeth Cochrane, was an influential journalist known for her daring spirit and investigative reporting. In 1889, inspired by Jules Verne's literary classic "Around the World in Eighty Days," she set out to challenge the boundaries of travel and journalism. On November 14, she departed from Hoboken, New Jersey, with a commitment to complete her journey around the globe in less than the fictional 80 days. Her journey captured the essence of the age, characterized by advancements in transportation and the growing role of women in public life.
Traveling mostly by ship and train, Bly traversed multiple countries, including England, France, Egypt, India, and Japan. Along the way, she faced numerous obstacles, ranging from missed connections to adjusting to different cultures. Bly's writing provided vivid details of her experiences, ensuring readers did not just track her journey, but also connected with the various societies she encountered. Her travel stories highlighted the capabilities of women to take on daring adventures, challenging the societal norms of the time.
Despite being a solo female traveler, Bly's tenacity led her to complete the journey in an astounding 72 days, returning home to a hero's welcome. Her successful endeavor broke records and set a precedent for future female adventurers, further demonstrating the evolving role of women in society. Bly's accomplishment was more than just a race against time; it represented the possibilities of perseverance, ambition, and breaking through gender barriers. Additionally, her detailed accounts increased public interest in global travel and set the tone for future travel journalism.
Why Does it Matter?
Nellie Bly's journey around the world is fascinating because it symbolizes the empowerment of women in an era when their roles were largely limited. Not only did she break a world record, but she also became a highly visible figure in journalism, inspiring countless women to pursue careers and adventures outside traditional expectations. Bly's storytelling and reporting style opened doors for future female journalists, making significant contributions to discussions on women's capabilities, travel, and exploration.
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