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Thomas Augustus Watson
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Thomas Augustus Watson, 1902 Infographic map showing the route of the first transcontinental telephone line completed in 1914, stretching from San Francisco to New York and passing through 13 states. Key facts include 130,000 telephone poles used, a 4,750-mile record call, and notable speakers for the ceremonial first call in 1915 such as Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas Watson. Insets highlight the cost per call, the amount of copper wire used, and a historical illustration of an early telephone.

Thomas Augustus Watson: References & Edit History

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Article History

Type Description Contributor Date
Anniversary information added. Jan 14, 2026
Anniversary information added. Dec 09, 2025
Article revised and updated. Sep 05, 2025
First paragraph modernization. Apr 15, 2024
Added a map of the first transcontinental telephone line. Jan 23, 2015
Added image of Thomas Augustus Watson. Jun 22, 2012
Article thoroughly revised. Aug 10, 2011
Add new Web site: Public Broadcasting Service - Biography of Thomas A. Watson. May 27, 2011
Article added to new online database. Jul 20, 1998
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