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Nellie Bly's Historic Journey Around the World

Journalist and Adventurer Nellie Bly
Novelist Jules Verne

Nellie Bly's Groundbreaking Adventure

Nellie Bly’s Quest to Circumvent the Globe

In 1889, Nellie Bly, an intrepid journalist for the New York World, undertook a journey that would rewrite the rules of adventure and journalism. Inspired by the fictional character Phileas Fogg from Jules Verne’s novel Around the World in Eighty Days, Bly aimed not just to replicate the journey, but to beat it. She set off for her journey on November 14, 1889, with the determination that she would not only travel around the world in less than 80 days, but also showcase the capabilities of a woman in a time when such feats were largely dominated by men.

The Challenges Faced by Nellie Bly

As she traversed the globe, Nellie Bly encountered numerous challenges including treacherous weather, cultural barriers, and logistical hiccups. Traveling via steamships and trains, she relied on her wit, charm, and resourcefulness to overcome these obstacles. Bly’s travel ethos was also groundbreaking; she took on the role of a dedicated journalist, showcasing her experiences and the people she encountered along the way.

The Incredible Achievement

Nellie Bly's Arrival Back in New York

Against all odds, Nellie Bly returned to New York on January 25, 1890, after completing her journey in just 72 days and 6 hours. A celebrity by the time she arrived, her successful journey was celebrated and marked one of the first significant moments in female empowerment within the field of journalism and exploration.

The Impact of Bly’s Journey on Society

Nellie Bly’s extraordinary adventure sparked public fascination and admiration, paving the way for women in journalism and showing that they too could achieve remarkable triumphs. Her success inspired other women to pursue careers in journalism and adventure likewise, ultimately influencing societal views on women’s capabilities.

Fun Fact

Nellie Bly’s Interesting Fact

Not only did Nellie Bly achieve the unthinkable by traveling around the world in under 80 days, but she also became famous for her groundbreaking investigative journalism, including her undercover work at an insane asylum, which shed light on the often inhumane treatment of patients.

Additional Resources

Recommended Reading on Nellie Bly

For those interested in exploring more about Nellie Bly, consider reading “Nellie Bly: Daredevil, Reporter, Feminist” by Brenda McKean or “Around the World in 72 Days” to gain a deeper insight into her life and groundbreaking adventures.