“THE MAGNETIC TELEGRAPH COMPANY.”
Early in November, 1845, the line was first opened between Philadelphia and Norristown, Pa. distant 14 miles, so as to gratify public curiosity, while the building was going on beyond. This was completed to Fort Lee on January 20, 1846, and from Baltimore to Philadelphia, June 5, the same year.
No attempt was made for a long time to cross the Hudson.
In April, 1850, two gutta percha covered wires were submerged at Fort Lee, which for a time did good service. Shortly after the formation of the Magnetic Telegraph Company (the Pioneer Telegraph Company in America), numerous organizations followed. In 1859, the company amalgamated with the American Telegraph Company.