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Before It Became History | The First Transcontinental Telegram: Wiring a Continent in Wartime
On October 24, 1861, crews joined telegraph wires at Salt Lake City, linking the coasts. California’s first message pledged its loyalty to Lincoln, and two days later the Pony Express closed. We explore the federal deal that built the line.
Before It Became History, a podcast series from the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute, explores the people and moments that shaped the American story. Each episode looks beyond the legend to examine the decisions, conflicts, and ideas that tested the promise of liberty and helped define our democracy.
This is history before it hardened into memory — and a…
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