Nellie Bly was an American journalist, writer, and adventurer who broke barriers in the male-dominated field of journalism. Born Elizabeth Cochrane Seaman in 1864, Bly is best known for her investigative reporting and record-breaking travels. She paved the way for women in journalism and inspired generations of female journalists to come.
Early Life
Nellie Bly was born on May 5, 1864, in Cochran’s Mills, Pennsylvania. She grew up in a large family and began working as a teacher at the age of 15. In 1885, at the age of 21, she read an article in the Pittsburgh Dispatch titled “What Girls Are Good For,” which inspired her to write a letter to the editor. Impressed by her writing skills, the editor offered her a job as a reporter.
Journalism Career
Bly quickly made a name for herself with her investigative reporting. She posed as a patient in a mental institution for her famous expose, “Ten Days in a Mad-House,” which brought attention to the mistreatment of patients in mental institutions. She also traveled around the world in 72 days, breaking the record set by Jules Verne’s fictional character Phileas Fogg.
Legacy
Nellie Bly’s groundbreaking journalism and fearless spirit paved the way for women in journalism. She inspired generations of female journalists to pursue careers in a field that had been largely closed to them. Her legacy continues to inspire journalists around the world to push boundaries and tell important stories.