Nellie Bly, born Elizabeth Cochran Seaman (1864–1922), was a pioneering American journalist and investigative reporter. She is best known for her daring and groundbreaking work, particularly her exposé on the conditions at the Women’s Lunatic Asylum on Blackwell’s Island in New York City. Here are some key points about Nellie Bly’s life and career:

1. Early Life and Journalism Career: Nellie Bly was born on May 5, 1864, in Cochran’s Mills, Pennsylvania. She began her journalism career writing for the Pittsburgh Dispatch under the pseudonym “Nellie Bly,” adopting the pen name from a popular Stephen Foster song.
2. Ten Days in a Mad-House: In 1887, Bly went undercover to investigate the treatment of patients at the Women’s Lunatic Asylum on Blackwell’s Island. Posing as a mentally ill patient, she experienced the conditions firsthand and reported on the abuse and neglect she witnessed. Her series of articles, published in the New York World, were later compiled into a book titled “Ten Days in a Mad-House.”
3. Around the World in Seventy-Two Days: In 1889, Nellie Bly set out to travel around the world in less than 80 days, inspired by Jules Verne’s novel “Around the World in Eighty Days.” She accomplished the journey in 72 days, 6 hours, and 11 minutes, setting a new record and gaining international fame.
4. Journalistic Innovations: Nellie Bly was known for her innovative and fearless approach to journalism. She tackled social issues, including the treatment of the mentally ill, the conditions of factory workers, and corruption in various institutions. Her immersive and participatory style of investigative reporting set a precedent for future journalists.
5. Marriage and Later Career: In 1895, Bly married millionaire industrialist Robert Seaman. After his death, she took over his manufacturing company and successfully managed it for several years. Later in her career, she returned to journalism and covered events such as World War I.
6. Legacy: Nellie Bly’s pioneering contributions to investigative journalism and her commitment to social reform have left a lasting legacy. She paved the way for future generations of women in journalism and is remembered as a trailblazer who used her platform to expose societal injustices.

Nellie Bly passed away on January 27, 1922, at the age of 57. Her impact on journalism continues to be celebrated, and she remains an inspiration for those advocating for social justice and journalistic integrity.