Recommended Website:
Transatlantic Cable Communications
My thanks to MaryAnna, for suggesting today’s website that explores Canada’s historic part in transatlantic communications. You can hear the story of the official first transatlantic cable message (Queen Victoria to President Buchanan), as well as listen in on bits of history such as the distress call from the Titanic! When you get to the site you will see a menu that includes:
- Introduction — Get a brief overview of the history of the electric telegraph and why the locations of Canso and Hazel Hill on the Atlantic coast of Canada were critical to utilizing this technology.
- Science — Learn about the invention of the telegraph and how the resin from the Gutta-Percha tree provided just the right properties for suitable insulation to waterproof underwater cables. Explore the science of telegraphy and discover Morse Code. Virtually examine the parts of a telegraph machine. Find out about other great inventions that were a result of the “Cable Era.”
- History — Read an in-depth history of telegraphy and its socio-economic impact. Find out what the life of a telegrapher was like, and listen to some of the famous messages sent and received via telegraph — including the distress message of the ill-fated ship, Titanic.
- Media Gallery — See photographs, watch video clips, and visit the sound studio to explore telegraphy.
- Resource Center — Take a multiple choice quiz to test your knowledge of telegraphy, print out a fun telegraphy-themed word-search puzzle, and discover more links to Internet resources on telegraphy.
BONUS! MaryAnna, who recommended today’s site, said, “Somewhere buried on this site is a story about carrier pigeons and the attempt to use them as reliable messengers; I’d challenge anyone to find it! (Hint: It’s called, “…It Would Be A Pity To Kill The Birds.”)” I clicked on lots of links at this site, and I couldn’t find it. If you do — please let me know where it’s hidden! :)
[Note: Someone found the story. It’s here.]
