33
/
AIzaSyB4mHJ5NPEv-XzF7P6NDYXjlkCWaeKw5bc
November 1, 2025
179725
15863
2
Public Timelines
FAQ Get premium

aug 16, 1858 - 1858 First trans-atlantic telegraph cable

Description:

A transatlantic telegraph cable is an undersea cable running under the Atlantic Ocean used for telegraph communications. The first was laid across the floor of the Atlantic from Telegraph Field, Foilhommerum Bay, Valentia Island in western Ireland to Heart's Content in eastern Newfoundland. The first communications occurred August 16, 1858, reducing the communication time between North America and Europe from ten days – the time it took to deliver a message by ship – to only 17 hours. Transatlantic telegraph cables have been replaced by transatlantic telecommunications cables.

Added to timeline:

Date:

aug 16, 1858
Now
~ 167 years ago