National Museum of American History
Cyrus Field and the Transatlantic Telegraph Cable
July 1, 2016 – November 27, 2016
In the mid-19th century, the world suddenly became smaller when an underwater telegraph cable joined two nations divided by the sea, Ireland and Newfoundland, Canada. Using Archives Center collection materials, this display commemorates American businessman and financier Cyrus Field’s accomplishment in laying the first successful transatlantic telegraph cable in July 1866.
Souvenir section of transatlantic cable, 1866, packaged by Tiffany & Co.
