October 24, 1861 — the first transcontinental telegraph is completed
Wires from east and west met in Salt Lake City, and for the first time a message could cross the continent in minutes instead of the weeks it took by Pony Express. The Pony Express shut down two days later. A communication revolution that knit a spread-out country together — and made it feel like one.
Common Questions
What happened on October 24 in American history?
In 1861: the first transcontinental telegraph is completed. Wires from east and west met in Salt Lake City, and for the first time a message could cross the continent in minutes instead of the weeks it took by Pony Express.
Why is October 24 significant?
Wires from east and west met in Salt Lake City, and for the first time a message could cross the continent in minutes instead of the weeks it took by Pony Express. The Pony Express shut down two days later. A communication revolution that knit a spread-out country together — and made it feel like one.
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