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The First Wireless

How many Americans know that the world radio system was given rise on the Cape? Marconi, in 1903, on the oceanside of Wellfleet got through the first wireless message. It was a greeting from President Theodore Roosevelt to the King of England, Edward VII.

Six days later, a return message came through, proof that Marconi had succeeded. Today, only a few ruins remain on that once famous spot.

Mrs. Eliza Doane of South Wellfleet cooked for Marconi and his men. She described him as a grand piano player, and he had a pleasing voice. “Old Black Joe” seems to have been his favorite song and every time they gathered around the piano it was sung.

In 1953 the Wellfleet Historical Society dedicated a bronze plaque at the original site of the station. In 1963 a pavillion was built at “Marconi Beach”, now owned by the Cape Cod National Seashore.

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