92. The 1858 Trans-Atlantic Cable Collapse
Year: 1858
Location: Valentia, Ontario, Canada
Company: The Atlantic Telegraph Company
Estimated Damage Value: Over $1 million*
In the 1850s, The Atlantic Telegraph Company’s attempt to revolutionize communication with a Trans-Atlantic Cable was groundbreaking. Despite an investment surpassing $1 million, this ambitious project met its demise early due to unforeseen technical failures.

Just weeks after its deployment, the world’s first trans-oceanic cable ceased operation. Efforts by Wildman Whitehouse to enhance its performance with a 2,000-volt surge backfired, leading to a catastrophic failure. This incident severely dented public trust, casting doubts on the cable’s very existence.