Friday, August 16, 2024

The first words between Valentia and Newfoundland

US President James Buchanan officially opened the new transatlantic cable between Valentia Island and Trinity Bay, Newfoundland by speaking with England’s Queen Victoria on August 16, 1858.

A few weeks later, due to a poor signal, the service was forced to shutdown. After many attempts and financial problems  the project succeeded.

Since 1866, there has been a permanent cable connection between the United States and Europe.

RTÉ 1 Television screened an interesting programme on Monday evening on the many attempts at laying the cable. It is available on the RTÉ Player. Well worth watching.

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