January 25 in American History

January 25, 1915 — the first transcontinental phone call

Alexander Graham Bell in New York spoke to his old assistant Thomas Watson in San Francisco, reenacting their first-ever phone call — this time across the entire continent. "Mr. Watson, come here, I want you," Bell said. Watson replied it would now take him a week. The country had been wired coast to coast.

Common Questions

What happened on January 25 in American history?

In 1915: the first transcontinental phone call. Alexander Graham Bell in New York spoke to his old assistant Thomas Watson in San Francisco, reenacting their first-ever phone call — this time across the entire continent.

Why is January 25 significant?

Alexander Graham Bell in New York spoke to his old assistant Thomas Watson in San Francisco, reenacting their first-ever phone call — this time across the entire continent. "Mr. Watson, come here, I want you," Bell said. Watson replied it would now take him a week. The country had been wired coast to coast.

The Daily Poll · Weigh In

Has technology made America feel closer or farther apart?

Opinion, not a quiz — no wrong answer.

★ Forge Your Freedom

Get One of These Every Day

The FreedomMaxxing Daily Brief pairs a history moment like this with what's on your radar today and a live patriot poll — free, 60 seconds.

Take the Free Assessment
gold is discovered at Sutter's MillFranklin argues for the turkey over the eagle