"Atlantic Cable Celebration-Presentation to Cyrus W. Field in the Crystal Palace," Harper's Weekly, 1858

"Atlantic Cable Celebration-Presentation to Cyrus W. Field in the Crystal Palace," Harper's Weekly, 1858

This illustration, featured in the September 11, 1858 issue of Harper's Weekly, depicts a large gathering of people celebrating the establishment of the Atlantic Cable. Cyrus W. Field, creator of the Atlantic Telegraph Company, successfully laid down the first telegraph line across the Atlantic Ocean, connecting Trinity Bay, Newfoundland and Valentia, Ireland. After the first successful message was transmitted from Queen Victoria to President Buchanan, New York City burst into celebration. This illustration depicts the overwhelming sense of pride and nationalism that Americans felt during this time. It also demonstrates the growth of New York City as it started developing into a major American city.

Unknown

Art and Picture Collection, The New York Public Library. "Atlantic Cable Celebration -- Presentation To Cyrus W. Field In The Crystal Palace." The New York Public Library Digital Collections. 1858. http://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47e0-cca6-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99

Harper's Weekly

September 16, 2015

Shannon Ferrara

1858