About

Born Elizabeth Jane Cochran in 1864, she adopted the pen name "Nellie Bly" when she began her career as a journalist. Bly first gained recognition for her powerful and revealing exposés on social issues such as patient treatment in mental asylums and working conditions for factory workers. In 1889, Nellie Bly embarked on an ambitious and widely publicized journey around the world, following in the footsteps of Jules Verne's fictional character Phileas Fogg. She completed the trip in just 72 days, setting a world record for circumnavigation and cementing her status as one of the most fearless and adventurous reporters of her time. Throughout her career, Bly consistently challenged societal norms and expectations for women. She tackled subjects deemed unsuitable for women journalists, including undercover investigations into corruption and crime. Bly even feigned insanity to expose the mistreatment of patients at an asylum, resulting in significant reforms. In addition to her journalism, Nellie Bly was a prolific author, publishing several books on her experiences and advocating for women's rights. She later married millionaire manufacturer Robert Seaman and took over his business after his death, becoming a successful entrepreneur. Nellie Bly left an indelible mark on the field of investigative journalism, inspiring generations of journalists to delve into hard-hitting reporting and shatter gender barriers. Her courage, tenacity, and determination continue to be celebrated as she remains an influential figure in American journalism.