Exhibitions

Cyrus Field and the Transatlantic Telegraph Cable

July 1, 2016 – November 27, 2016

Souvenir section of transatlantic cable, 1866, packaged by Tiffany & Co.

National Museum of American History
1300 Constitution Ave., NW
Washington, DC

1 West

See on Map Floor Plan

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.