LANCASTER, Pa. – LancasterHistory is delighted to announce a special subject tour commemorating a key moment in the history of the United States: the first public message sent across the Trans-Atlantic Telegraph Cable.

On August 16, 1858, President James Buchanan received Queen Victoria’s historic 98-word message, a journey that took 16.5 hours from Ireland to Newfoundland.

“In every piece of history, there lies a story that has shaped our world. The transmission of the first Trans-Atlantic Cable message was not just a technological triumph, but a testament to human determination and cooperation,” Director of Wheatland, Patrick Clarke said. “This tour will give visitors more information and closer insight into the life and times surrounding this momentous occasion.”

In this Special Subject Tour titled “The Trans-Atlantic Cable,” attendees will get an in-depth look at how this revolutionary feat was achieved and the significant diplomatic impact it made on UK-US relations.

The special guided tour will take place on Saturday, August 5, at Wheatland, the beloved home of President Buchanan. Tours will be held on the hour, beginning at 10 a.m. and continuing through to the last tour at 3 p.m. Please note, these tours diverge from LancasterHistory's regular General Admission tours as they are more focused on a specific topic rather than a broad history of Buchanan and his home.

To secure your spot on a tour, tickets are available for purchase online or by phone at (717) 392-4633. To book online, please first select the date of August 5, then the tour time of your preference. LancasterHistory highly recommend advance reservations as tours may sell out, and walk-in tickets may not be available. LancasterHistory members receive complimentary admission, but we kindly encourage reservations in advance to guarantee your preferred tour time.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to delve into an important slice of transatlantic history right here at LancasterHistory!

About LancasterHistory

LancasterHistory is a community-based, not-for-profit organization established to educate the public on the history of Lancaster County and its place in the history of Pennsylvania and the United States, to advance the missions of regional historical organizations, and to promote the acquisition, preservation, and interpretation of resources representing the history of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania within the broader context of state and national history, including the life and legacy of Congressman Thaddeus Stevens, his house manager, Lydia Hamilton Smith, and America’s 15th President, James Buchanan.