Nellie Bly, born Elizabeth Cochran on May 5, 1864, in Pennsylvania, was an American journalist who made a name for herself through her groundbreaking achievements and fearless reporting. She is best known for her record-breaking trip around the world, a journey inspired by Jules Verne's novel "Around The World in 80 Days." However, Bly's remarkable career was filled with many other incredible feats that solidified her reputation as a pioneer in investigative journalism.
Bly's early life was marked by financial struggles, as she could only afford to attend one term of boarding school. Despite this, she possessed a natural curiosity and an insatiable thirst for knowledge. It was this curiosity that led her to pursue a career in journalism, a field dominated by men at the time.
She began her career in journalism as a reporter for the Pittsburgh Dispatch, where she wrote about the lives of working women and the social issues of the time. It was during her time at the Dispatch that she adopted the pen name "Nellie Bly," a name that would soon become famous across the country.
One of Bly's most famous stunts was when she faked insanity to gain entry into the Women's Asylum on Blackwell Island. Determined to expose the deplorable conditions within the hospital, she spent ten days living among the patients and documenting their mistreatment. Her resulting report, "Ten Days in a Mad-House," shocked the public and led to significant reforms in the treatment of mental health patients.
But Bly didn't stop there. She went on to break records and push boundaries in journalism. In 1889, she set out on a journey around the world, aiming to beat Phileas Fogg's fictional record. Bly's whirlwind trip was an extraordinary adventure that captured the imagination of the American public and solidified her place in history.
In 1895, Nellie Bly married Robert Seaman, a successful industrialist who shared her passion for social justice. Despite her busy career, Bly found happiness in her personal life and continued to make a difference through her writing and activism.
Today, Nellie Bly is remembered as a trailblazer in the field of journalism. Her fearless reporting and groundbreaking achievements continue to inspire journalists and activists around the world. Her legacy serves as a reminder that one person's determination and courage can make a lasting impact on society.