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A transatlantic telegraph cable is a cable running under the Atlantic Ocean. It was used for telegraph communications. The first was laid across the bottom of the Atlantic from Ireland to Newfoundland. The first message was sent on August 16, 1858. It was from Queen Victoria to President James Buchanan. The cables reduced the communication time between North America and Europe from ten days (by ship) to a matter of minutes. The first cable lasted only three weeks. Transatlantic telegraph cables have been replaced by transatlantic telecommunications cables.
Map of the 1858 trans-Atlantic cable route
Landing of the Atlantic Cable of 1866, Heart's Content, Newfoundland, by Robert Charles Dudley, 1866.
A U.S. postage stamp commemorating the Atlantic cable
The Telegraph Field, Valentia Island, Ireland, the site of the earliest message sent from Ireland to North America. In October 2002, a memorial to mark the laying of the transatlantic cable to Newfoundland was unveiled on top of Foilhomerrum Cliff. Made of Valentia slate and designed by local sculptor Alan Hall, the memorial marks the history of the telegraph industry to the island from 1857 forward.
Great Eastern at Heart's Content
Grappling hook used for lifting the cable
