Cross Atlantic Communication Day

History of Cross Atlantic Communication Day

On July 27, Cross Atlantic Communication Day commemorates the invention of transatlantic communication telegraph cables. In 1866, a telegraph cable was erected across the Atlantic Ocean to connect Europe and North America, a watershed moment in history. It took a total of 12 years to finish the project. It began in 1854 and was completed on July 27, 1866. The project necessitated many ships, trials, failures, and a large sum of money to lay the cables.

It was first attempted to establish a 1,700-mile line between Newfoundland and Ireland in 1857. The project was shelved after the cable repeatedly broke. The project’s success was a big win for many individuals.

The Cross Atlantic communication telegraph wires were built by many brilliant brains, making life easier for everyone. With faster communication came new opportunities for people around the world. Communication has continued to develop and improve over time. The internet has made messaging, phone calls, and video calls an instant commodity. Communication across the Atlantic is now swift and easy. Without giving it much thought, people can communicate with other people in different parts of the world. This ease of communication has made business and other relationships a lot easier.

Cross Atlantic Communication Day reminds us of the fantastic benefits we enjoy from improved communication technology.

Cross Atlantic Communication Day timeline

1856

Transatlantic Telegraph Is Launched

C.W. Fields and two others launch the Transatlantic Telegraph Company.

1858

Transatlantic Communication

The First-Ever Transatlantic Communication takes 16 hours to travel across the ocean.

1858

The First Cable

The first cable for communication works for three weeks but eventually fails due to poor quality.

1870

Merger Of The Rivals

The Transatlantic Telegraph Company merges with the New York, Newfoundland, and London Telegraph Company.

Cross Atlantic Communication Day FAQs

When is Cross Atlantic Communication Day?

Cross Atlantic Communication Day 2026 is observed on Monday, July 27. This annual observance marks the historic achievement of connecting continents through telegraph and later, digital communication.

How many undersea cables span the Atlantic?

While the exact number fluctuates with new installations and decommissioning, there are roughly 20-30 active undersea fiber optic cables that cross the Atlantic Ocean. These cables carry the vast majority of internet traffic between North America and Europe.

What was the first message sent across the Atlantic?

The first official message sent across the successful transatlantic telegraph cable on August 16, 1858, was from Queen Victoria to U.S. President James Buchanan. She expressed her hope that the cable would prove ‘an additional link between the nations.’

How long did it take to send a message across the Atlantic before the cable?

Before the transatlantic telegraph cable, messages had to be physically transported by ship, a journey that typically took around ten days to two weeks, depending on weather conditions and port logistics.

How to Observe Cross Atlantic Communication Day

Make a call

You can consciously enjoy the privilege of Cross Atlantic Communication. Catch up with someone on the other side of the world over the phone.

Read about the holiday

You can visit the libraries in and around your area and read about the holiday. This activity will give you insights into the trials and tribulations that went into making this a success.

Learn about communication

You can learn more about the technology that permits us to enjoy Cross Atlantic Communication. What you learn may surprise you! .

5 Facts About Cross Atlantic Communication Cables

A ship is used to transport cables

S.S. Great Eastern ship was used to lay two transatlantic cables, securing future communication between the continents.

The ship is on display

The S.S. Great Eastern ship is now on display at a museum in Bristol, U.K.

A stamp was issued

In the United States, a postage stamp commemorating the Atlantic Cable Centenary is released.

The cables were for telegraphs

Submarine cables were used to carry only telegraph signals in the 1850s.

It linked countries

When the first submarine cable was built in 1853, it connected Ireland, Belgium, and the Netherlands to the United Kingdom.

Why Cross Atlantic Communication Day is Important

Technology awareness

The occasion seeks to raise awareness about the technology that many people nowadays rely on. People can update themselves on the progress that technology is making by leaps and bounds every single day.

It helps businesses

Cross Atlantic Communication has benefited many enterprises all around the world. Businesses have expanded and flourished because of the progress in technology made.

It maintains relationships

Thanks to communication technology, people can maintain relationships no matter the distance between them. Friends, family, and business relationships are just a call or an email away.