Celebrating Women’s History Month: The Legacy of Nellie Bly - The DV Walking Wounded:
March is Women’s History Month, a time to honor the achievements of remarkable women who have shaped history. One such trailblazer is Nellie Bly, an investigative journalist, adventurer, and social reformer who broke barriers in a male-dominated field and changed the course of journalism forever.
I’ve been studying and reading about Nellie Bly, since I was in high school. I wanted to grow up and be a journalist, investigating conspiracies, helping expose the bad guys, and fighting for the proverbial “under dog.” She was amazing, period, but for what she did for her timeperiod and for women and mental health was astounding. What made me post her here, is getting reminded of her by a movie that I watched, while re-cooperating: Escaping the Madhouse — the Nellie Bly Story, starring Christina Ricci. It’s a great LifeTime movie, but I viewed it on Disney+. Enjoy!
Breaking Into Journalism
Born Elizabeth Cochran Seaman in 1864, Nellie Bly defied societal expectations early on. In an era when women were often relegated to writing about fashion and homemaking, she fought to report on serious issues. She landed a job at the Pittsburgh Dispatch after writing a passionate letter challenging a sexist article. The editor was so impressed that he offered her a position—under the pen name “Nellie Bly.”
Investigative Journalism Pioneer
Bly became a pioneer of investigative journalism, often going undercover to expose corruption and injustice. One of her most famous assignments was infiltrating the Women’s Lunatic Asylum on Blackwell’s Island in 1887. She feigned mental illness to reveal the horrifying conditions and mistreatment of patients. Her groundbreaking exposé, Ten Days in a Mad-House, led to major mental health reforms and set a new standard for investigative reporting.
Around the World in 72 Days
In 1889, inspired by Jules Verne’s Around the World in Eighty Days, Bly set out to beat the fictional record. Traveling alone—an unheard-of feat for a woman at the time—she journeyed by ship, train, and carriage across the globe. She completed the trip in just 72 days, proving women could be just as daring and capable as men. Her adventure captivated the public and solidified her status as a cultural icon.
A Lasting Impact
Bly’s fearless reporting and advocacy work paved the way for women in journalism and beyond. She later became one of the first female war correspondents and spent her later years fighting for workers’ rights and social justice.
Nellie Bly did not receive formal journalism awards in her lifetime, as such accolades were not commonly given to investigative reporters during her era. However, her groundbreaking work has been recognized posthumously with numerous honors, including:
- National Women’s Hall of Fame Induction (1998) – Recognizing her contributions to journalism and social reform.
- U.S. Postage Stamp (2002) – Issued as part of the Women in Journalism series.
- Legacy Honors – Several journalism awards, books, films, and documentaries have highlighted her impact, and she is widely studied in media and gender studies programs.
Summary of Nellie Bly’s Writings
Nellie Bly was a prolific writer, best known for her investigative journalism and daring adventures. Some of her most notable works include:
- “Ten Days in a Mad-House” (1887) – Her exposé on the horrific conditions inside the Women’s Lunatic Asylum on Blackwell’s Island, which led to mental health reforms.
- “Around the World in Seventy-Two Days” (1890) – A travelogue documenting her record-breaking journey around the globe.
- “Six Months in Mexico” (1888) – A series of reports on her time in Mexico, where she criticized the dictatorship of Porfirio Díaz.
- Various Newspaper Articles – Covering issues such as working conditions in factories, corruption, and women’s rights.
- Later Writings – During World War I, she became one of the first female war correspondents, reporting from the Eastern Front.
- Lost Novels of Nellie Bly – Author David Blixt found 11 serialized novels 125 years later
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, Nellie Bly’s legacy reminds us of the power of determination, curiosity, and courage. She not only shattered glass ceilings but also used her voice to make a difference—a testament to what women can accomplish when they refuse to be silenced.
Who are the women in history that inspire you? Let’s celebrate their stories this month and beyond! Please leave some suggestions in the comments and I’ll try to feature some more fabulous women!
