Historical1889
Nellie Bly Begins Journey Around the World
Journalist Nellie Bly departed New York on her famous attempt to travel around the world in fewer than 80 days. Bly was also known for her undercover investigation of the Blackwell's Island women's asylum, which led to legislative reforms in mental health care.
Why It Matters
Bly's investigative journalism demonstrated the power of a free press to expose injustice and drive legislative reform, a core function of the First Amendment.