Science & Tech
2
On December 23, 1900, Reginald Fessenden made the first wireless transmission of human speech between two sets of 50-foot masts erected along the shore of Cobb Island. His assistant, Alfred Thiessen, immediately received the message, marking the first time intelligible speech had been transmitted by electromagnetic waves. Fessenden worked from the large summer home of Philadelphia businessman George Vickers, who had acquired the entire island in 1889 and built the house afterward. Cobb Island's remoteness provided secrecy while still remaining accessible by steamboats from Washington, D.C. The receiving station was at the Very Cottage, the only other building on the island in 1900.
Hear stories like this as you drive
ExploreHere reads historical markers out loud as you pass them: over 325,000 stories across the US. No account needed.
4.7 · 800+ ratings · Free
FIND IT
Cobb Island, Maryland · United States
