Nellie Bly Completes Her Round-the-World Journey in 72 Days

On January 25, 1890, Nellie Bly, an intrepid journalist for the New York World, completed her remarkable journey around the world in 72 days, setting a world record and captivating the public’s imagination. Her journey was inspired by Jules Verne’s fictional work, “Around the World in Eighty Days,” and aimed to prove that such a feat was possible in reality and could be accomplished even faster.

Background

• Nellie Bly: Born Elizabeth Cochran Seaman in 1864, Nellie Bly was a pioneering female journalist known for her investigative reporting and undercover work. Prior to her world journey, she gained fame for her exposé on the conditions of asylum patients at Blackwell’s Island in New York City.

• The Challenge: Bly proposed the idea of traveling around the world to her editor at the New York World, Joseph Pulitzer, who agreed to sponsor her trip. The journey was not only a test of speed and endurance but also a demonstration of the possibilities of modern transportation.

The Journey

• Departure: Bly embarked on her journey from Hoboken, New Jersey, on November 14, 1889, aboard the steamship Augusta Victoria. Her route took her across Europe, through the Suez Canal, and across Asia, utilizing various modes of transportation, including ships, trains, and even rickshaws.

• Challenges: Throughout her journey, Bly faced numerous challenges, including language barriers, transportation delays, and the logistical complexities of coordinating travel across multiple countries and continents.

• Public Interest: The New York World capitalized on public interest by organizing a contest for readers to guess Bly’s return date, further fueling excitement and engagement with her journey.

Completion and Impact

• Return: Bly returned to New York on January 25, 1890, completing her journey in 72 days, 6 hours, and 11 minutes. Her achievement was celebrated with great fanfare, and she was hailed as a national hero.

• Legacy: Nellie Bly’s journey not only set a world record but also challenged societal norms about women’s capabilities and roles. Her success demonstrated the potential of women in journalism and other fields traditionally dominated by men.

• Cultural Significance: Bly’s journey highlighted the advancements in global transportation and communication at the end of the 19th century, marking a significant moment in the history of travel and journalism.

Nellie Bly’s round-the-world journey remains a testament to her courage, determination, and pioneering spirit, inspiring future generations of journalists and adventurers alike.