Around the World in 72 Days….

In the late 19th century, travel was a much more daunting and time-consuming endeavor than it is today. Long ocean voyages, slow trains, and limited means of communication made circumnavigating the globe a remarkable feat. Yet, in 1889, a fearless and determined young journalist named Nellie Bly set out on a journey that would captivate the world and cement her place in history. Her mission? To travel around the world in a record-breaking 72 days.

Born as Elizabeth Jane Cochran in 1864, Nellie Bly was an ambitious and tenacious woman ahead of her time. Her career in journalism began when she wrote an anonymous letter to a local Pittsburgh newspaper, the “Pittsburgh Dispatch,” in response to a sexist column. Her eloquence and passion caught the editor’s attention, and she was offered a job as a writer. She adopted the pen name “Nellie Bly” after a popular Stephen Foster song.

Bly’s adventurous spirit and willingness to tackle challenging assignments soon became apparent. She wrote a series of articles about the plight of female factory workers in Pittsburgh, which garnered national attention. However, it was her audacious idea to circumnavigate the globe in less than 80 days, inspired by Jules Verne’s novel “Around the World in Eighty Days,” that would catapult her to international fame.

On November 14, 1889, Nellie Bly embarked on her epic journey, armed with little more than a small bag, the clothes on her back, and her indomitable spirit. She traveled by train, steamship, and horse-drawn carriage, facing numerous challenges and obstacles along the way. Her adventures were chronicled in a series of articles published in the “New York World” newspaper, where she worked.

Bly’s journey took her across the United States, through the Pacific Ocean to Hawaii, Japan, China, and Southeast Asia, across the Indian Ocean to Sri Lanka, through the Suez Canal, and finally back to the United States. She met fascinating people, witnessed diverse cultures, and reported on her experiences with wit and curiosity. Her dispatches from the road were eagerly awaited by readers back home, who followed her every move with bated breath.

One of the most iconic moments of Bly’s journey occurred when she reached Hong Kong, where she encountered a delay due to a missed connection. Undeterred, she continued her adventure by chartering a private yacht, the “Gallia,” to speed up her journey. This unexpected decision not only showcased her determination but also helped her gain the crucial advantage needed to break the 80-day record.

Nellie Bly’s fame continued to grow as she made her way back to the United States, greeted by enthusiastic crowds at each stop. On January 25, 1890, she arrived back in New York City, having successfully completed her journey in just 72 days, 6 hours, and 11 minutes – an astonishing achievement that shattered the previous record.

Her accomplishment made her an instant celebrity. She was celebrated with parades, banquets, and public receptions in her honor. Her journey was not only a testament to her courage and tenacity but also a symbol of the changing role of women in society. Nellie Bly had shown that women could excel in traditionally male-dominated fields like journalism and travel, inspiring countless others to follow in her footsteps.

In addition to her record-breaking trip, Nellie Bly continued to write groundbreaking investigative journalism. She exposed the deplorable conditions in mental asylums in a series of articles that led to significant reforms in the treatment of the mentally ill. She also covered social issues, politics, and women’s rights, using her writing to advocate for positive change.

Nellie Bly’s trip around the world in 72 days remains a legendary achievement in the annals of travel and journalism. Her daring adventure and groundbreaking reporting continue to inspire people to this day. Nellie Bly’s legacy is not only a testament to her own remarkable abilities but also a symbol of the boundless potential of individuals who dare to dream and pursue their passions with unwavering determination.