Nellie Bly and the 'Stunt Girls' that Smashed Barriers in Turn-of-the-Century Journalism
Legendary investigative journalist Nellie Bly (born Elizabeth Jane Cochran) died more than 100 years ago. Bly's legacy shaped both the lives of women and the field of journalism. After her death, newspapers described her as:
'...the embodiment of the spirit of daring youth,' and 'full of courage and life.'
Bly began her career in the mid-1880s in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In the late 19th century women were fighting for equal rights, particularly the right to vote and work alongside men – including the right to practice professional journalism...
Women journalists were limited to writing society columns focused on food, fashion, and gossip. However, women like Bly wanted to be respected as serious investigative reporters.
After working at a Pittsburgh paper for $5 a week, Bly moved to New York City in 1887. Determined to become a serious journalist and after numerous rejections, she landed a job at Joseph Pulitzer's newspaper, the New York World.
To prove herself at the World Bly accepted the assignment that would define her career. She was tasked with going undercover at New York's infamous Women's Lunatic Asylum on Blackwell's Island, already the subject of multiple inquests and scandals.
After convincing hospital examiners, that she was 'insane', Bly was admitted to the Women's Lunatic Asylum. Inside, she experienced the same horrors as the other patients facing cold, hunger, and mistreatment.
One nurse asserted:
'...this is charity, and you should be thankful for what you get; you don't need to expect any kindness here, for you won't get it.'
The expose, "Ten Days in a Mad-House" revealed the cruel treatment of the mentally ill so effectively it resulted in an investigation by a New York grand jury and, ultimately, massive reforms:
Spurred on to action by the courageous Nellie Bly, the grand jury of New York has investigated the abuses at the Blackwell's Island asylum and recommended many sweeping changes. In its work of investigation, the grand jury was greatly assisted by that brave little woman.
In 1889, Bly challenged herself to replicate the voyage taken by Phileas Fogg in Around the World in 80 Days. She beat Fogg by more than a week, completing the trip in 72 days, 6 hours, and 11 minutes.
Before her departure, author Jules Verne invited Bly to his home to discuss her voyage. The author did not shy away from expressing his doubts about her chance of success, stating:
'It really is not to be believed that that little girl is going all alone around the world; why, she looks a mere child.'
His wife, however, thought otherwise, replying that,
'She is trim, energetic, and strong. I believe, Jules, that she will make your heroes look foolish; she will beat your record.'
Finally agreeing with her assessment, he only replied,
'I would not like to risk my money.'
Throughout her illustrious career, she heralded a new wave of "stunt girl" journalists who undertook high-profile and dangerous assignments, often undercover and reported on them. During this era, many female journalists emerged, reporting on human interest stories and exposing societal issues.
![Some Women Writers. They Are All Of Western Birth And Training. Nell Nelson [Miss Cusack]. Jackson Daily Citizen. November 8, 1890. From Early American Newspapers, 1690-1922.](/sites/default/files/2024-10/8%20Jackson%20Daily%20Citizen.%20November%208%2C%201890.png)
The 'stunt girl' movement included women like Helen Cusack who published under the name Nell Nelson. Nelson gained fame for reporting on the dangerous work environment women faced in Chicago factories, which included sexual harassment and lack of proper training.
The 21-part series entitled "City Slave Girls" was originally published on the front page of the Chicago Times. The series landed her a book deal and in 1888, was reprinted by the New York World under the title "White Slave Girls."
Similarly, Winifred Bonfils, writing under the pen names Winifred Black and Annie Laurie, reported on numerous issues, from the lives of striker's wives to the high-profile court case of Harry Thaw.
During the Thaw trial, Bonfils and other female reporters were labeled "sob sisters" to disparage their writing style as overly sentimental and sensationalized, although this was the dominant journalistic style of the era. The moniker would continue to define female journalists for years.
Some investigative reporters put their lives on the line to get the story. In the 1890s, African American journalist Ida B. Wells began reporting on lynching in the South. Wells challenged claims that Black lynching victims were criminals and rapists, exposing racism as the true cause behind the violence.
A white mob destroyed Wells' newspaper office in 1892. She, however, was undeterred. Wells continued working, becoming an outspoken activist, and co-founder of the NAACP, which led the Black civil rights movement of the 1920s and 30s, fighting for voting rights and against employment discrimination and segregation.
The contributions of Nellie Bly, Winifred Bonfils, and Ida B. Wells to investigative journalism continue to inspire and influence reporters today. The National Women's Hall of Fame inducted Bly and Wells in 1998 and 1988, respectively. And their stories continue to be told to new audiences through film, theater, and literature.
Continue researching women's contributions to journalism in America's Historical Newspapers and Periodicals. Explore the different perspectives courageous women brought to investigative reporting, often uncovering societal issues other journalists ignored.
