Inishowen and the Lincoln Assassination

The assassination of President Abraham Lincoln on April 14, 1865, in Washington, D.C., shocked the world. However, few people know that one of the earliest European transmissions of the news passed through Inishowen, County Donegal.

As a result, this small coastal region played a surprising role in global communication history.

Greencastle and the Transatlantic Telegraph

In the 19th century, Greencastle was an important point in international communication. It had a key telegraph station, which connected North America, Ireland, and Britain.

Because of this location, Greencastle became a major entry point for news arriving from transatlantic ships. In addition, it helped relay information quickly to London and other European cities.

Two Ships Carry the News

Two steamships crossed the Atlantic carrying news of Lincoln’s assassination.

The first ship, the Teutonia, carried an early message: “Lincoln shot.” This message reached Crookhaven in County Cork. From there, it was passed to London financial markets, giving early private warnings.

Meanwhile, the second ship, the Nova Scotian, carried the confirmed report: “Lincoln assassinated.” However, fog delayed its journey across the Atlantic.

When the Nova Scotian finally reached Ireland on April 26, 1865, Greencastle telegraph station received the message at 9:45 a.m. The station sent it to London by 11:30 a.m. As a result, it became headline news across Britain and Europe the same day.

Greencastle’s Role in Global Communication

This event highlights the importance of Inishowen in 19th-century global communications. At the time, Greencastle was not only a fishing village, but also a key link in the international telegraph network.

In addition, it helped deliver one of the most important news stories of the 19th century — the assassination of an American president — to Europe.

Photo Courtesy of Adam Cuerden