The laying of the first transatlantic cable linking Valentia Island to Newfoundland in the mid-19th century was a monumental moment in the history of science and technology. This achievement marked a significant leap forward in global communications and set the stage for the interconnected world we live in today. The successful completion of this cable was a game-changer, with one contemporary predicting that „the whole earth will be belted with electric current, palpitating with human thoughts and emotions.“
The story of the transatlantic cable is a tale of ambition, determination, and resilience. Cyrus Field, a wealthy businessman from Massachusetts, spearheaded the project with the goal of increasing the speed of transferring messages across the Atlantic. Before the cable, news reports could take up to 12 days to be delivered via ship. Field drew inspiration from the advances in terrestrial telegraphy made by figures like Samuel Morse, whose telegraph message from Washington D.C. to Baltimore in 1844 marked a turning point in communication.
The challenges of laying a submarine cable across the Atlantic were immense, but Field was undeterred. With the help of great scientific and engineering minds like William Thomson (Lord Kelvin), Field pushed forward, facing setbacks and failures along the way. It took several attempts and years of perseverance, but ultimately, the first transatlantic cable was successfully laid in 1858, connecting Valentia Island to Trinity Bay in Newfoundland.
Despite the initial cable’s short-lived success, subsequent attempts led to the laying of a more durable cable in 1866. Cable stations were established in Knightstown, Valentia, as well as in Waterville and Ballinskelligs, attracting telegraphers from England, Scotland, and Wales. The local communities were transformed as they embraced the new telegraphic profession, becoming integral players in the changing landscape of global telecommunications.
The legacy of the transatlantic cable lives on in the landscape, culture, and family histories of Valentia Island and its surrounding region. The islanders are the custodians of a unique heritage that played a pivotal role in shaping the modern world of communications. Today, undersea cables continue to be vital components of global internet infrastructure, with major tech companies investing in new routes and landing stations.
The story of the transatlantic cable, often referred to as the „Victorian internet,“ serves as a reminder of the transformative power of human ingenuity and collaboration. The documentary „The Cable that Changed the World“ offers a glimpse into this remarkable chapter in history, highlighting the impact of the transatlantic cable on global telecommunications. As we navigate the digital age, it is important to remember the roots of our interconnected world and the pioneers who paved the way for modern communication.