Coney Island in Brooklyn in Kings County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Pioneers of the Deep
William Beebe and Otis Barton were the first humans to attempt an exploration of the deep ocean using a small submersible called the Bathysphere. In 1930, they began a series of historic dives off the coast of Bermuda — venturing deeper than anyone had ever been before.
Boldly Going Where No One Had Gone Before
By descending into the depths of the ocean in this steel ball, Beebe and Barton opened up a world previously unknown to humans. These first manned voyages to the depths made them national heroes.
What Is The Bathysphere?
This spherical steel ball (the best possible shape for resisting the high pressure of deep water) was designed to be lowered into the ocean on a cable. With two people inside, it was used to view life in the deep ocean.
Cable
Used to tether the Bathysphere to the mother ship at the surface.
Headphones & Telephone
Used to communicate with people at the surface
Rubber Hose
Carried telephone wires and electricity for lights.
Oxygen Tanks
Supplied all the air for the explorers inside
Erected by New York Aquarium, Wildlife Conservation Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists:
this page online
Location. 40° 34.445′ N, 73° 58.567′ W. Marker is in Brooklyn, New York, in Kings County. It is on Coney Island. Marker can be reached from West 10th Street just north of Riegelmann Boardwalk, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 602 Surf Ave, Brooklyn NY 11224, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The First Dives (here, next to this marker); Highlights and Mishaps (here, next to this marker); The Record-Breaking Dive (here, next to this marker); The History of the New York Aquarium (a few steps from this marker); New York Aquarium 2017 Mural Competition / Thomas Manco (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); New York Aquarium 2017 Mural Competition / Artist: Sheena Wong Shue (about 400 feet away); New York Aquarium 2017 Mural Competition / Danielle Mastrion (about 500 feet away); The Cyclone (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brooklyn.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), August 13, 2022
4. Additional sign nearby further diagramming the bathysphere
Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 15, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 79 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 15, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
