Pioneer woman journalist Nellie Bly begins a successful attempt to travel around the world in less than 80 days

Before Amelia Earhart took flight, before Rosa Parks stood her ground on that Montgomery bus, a brave and dynamic woman named Nellie Bly (Elizabeth Cochrane) started her audacious trek around the globe on November 14, 1889. As a pioneer woman journalist, she embarked on an unprecedented journey to travel around the world in less than 80 days, inspired by Jules Verne’s iconic novel, Around the World in Eighty Days. Nellie was paving the way for women in journalism, and her groundbreaking expedition has stood as a testament of courage and determination for future generations.

Nellie Bly wasn’t born into fame; she earned it with her sheer will and relentless desire to break barriers. Born as Elizabeth Jane Cochran, she adopted the pen name Nellie Bly when writing for the Pittsburgh Dispatch in 1885. She rapidly made her mark in journalism with her investigative pieces highlighting social issues such as poverty, factory working conditions, and the plight of female inmates. She had a knack for bringing light to the darkest corners of society, making readers confront realities they would rather brush aside.

In 1888, Nellie proposed an adventurous idea to her editor at New York World – a journey to beat Phileas Fogg’s fictional record by circling the globe in less than 80 days. A concept that was initially met with skepticism was finally approved, paving the way for a journey that would etch Nellie’s name in history.

Nellie’s audacious journey commenced from New York on November 14, 1889. She traveled mostly alone, carrying a single piece of luggage. Her route was as follows: from America, she sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to Europe, then travelled through Egypt, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Japan, and finally made her way back to America via the Pacific Ocean. It was a journey unlike any other, covered extensively by the New York World. The entire nation monitored Nellie’s progress, gripping onto the captivating reports about her travels.

One critical factor contributing to Nellie’s journey’s success was her indomitable spirit. Her fearlessness made her overcome innumerable challenges that came her way. When she was faced with long layovers, rough seas, or when a ship she was supposed to board had already departed, she did not falter. Her determination became her guiding light, propelling her forward through every hindrance.

Amid all this, Nellie did not lose sight of her objective as a journalist. She reported her experiences in vivid details, bringing to her readers a slice of the world they had never seen or experienced. Her articles were a unique blend of travelogue and frontline journalism, making them an instant hit among her readers.

Nellie Bly triumphantly arrived in New York on January 25, 1890. She had successfully circled the globe in 72 days, beating Phileas Fogg’s fictional record by eight days, and becoming a heroine in the eyes of the American public.

Nellie Bly’s voyage around the world was not just a singular travel event but a defining milestone in journalism. She broke significant societal norms of her era, proving that women could thrive not just within the comforting confines of their home, but also on a global stage.

From pioneer woman journalist Nellie Bly’s audacious expeditions to modern-day women journalists in war zones, the journey of women in journalism has come a long way. Although the path has never been easy, women have persisted, narrating stories from the most obscure corners of the world. Nellie’s extraordinary journey serves as a reminder and a beacon of inspiration for all aspiring female journalists that nothing, not even a daunting voyage around the world, is beyond their capabilities.