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Thomas Augustus Watson: Quick Facts

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Facts

Born January 18, 1854 • Salem • Massachusetts
Died December 13, 1934 (aged 80) • Florida

Photos

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.
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