Orleans in Barnstable County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
The French Transatlantic Telegraph Cable, 1898
IEEE Milestone
The submarine telegraph cable known as Le Direct provided communication between Europe and North America without intermediate relaying. In a remarkable feat of oceanic engineering, the cable was laid in the deepest waters of the Atlantic Ocean between Brest, France, and Orleans, Massachusetts. When completed in 1898 by La Compagnie Francaise des Cables Telegraphiques, it spanned 3174 nautical miles (5878 km), making it the longest and heaviest cable in service.
Erected 2018 by Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the IEEE Milestones in Electrical Engineering and Computing series list.
Location. 41° 47.27′ N, 69° 59.267′ W. Marker is in Orleans, Massachusetts, in Barnstable County. Marker is at the intersection of S Orleans Rd and Cove Rd, on the left when traveling south on S Orleans Rd. Marker(s) attached to each side of the French Cable Museum entrance. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 41 S Orleans Rd, Orleans MA 02653, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. French–Atlantic Cable Company (a few steps from this marker); Orleans War Memorial (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Whale of Orleans (about 700 feet away); Orleans Korean War and Vietnam War Memorial (about 700 feet away); Origins of Orleans (about 700 feet away); Academy Place (about 700 feet away); Orleans Honor Roll (about 700 feet away); The Incorporation of Orleans (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Orleans.
Regarding The French Transatlantic Telegraph Cable, 1898. The IEEE Milestone Program honors significant technical achievement that occurred twenty-five years prior to selection, in a technology represented within the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
Also see . . . French Cable Station Museum. (Submitted on October 26, 2019, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
Credits. This page was last revised on October 26, 2019. It was originally submitted on October 25, 2019, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 283 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on October 25, 2019, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.