Greenwich in Fairfield County, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)
Radio Station 1BCG
First Message to Span the Atlantic on Short Waves
Photographed By Michael Herrick, November 25, 2021
1. Radio Station 1BCG Marker
Near this spot on December 11, 1921, Radio station 1BCG sent to Ardrossan Scotland the first message ever to span the Atlantic on short waves. 1BCG, an amateur station, was built and operated by members of the Radio Club of America.
Dedicated Greenwich, Connecticut, 1950.
1BCG
Ernest V. Amy · George L. Burghard · John P. Grinan · Edwin H. Armstrong · Menton Cronkhite · Walker R. Inman · Paul L. Godley
Erected 1950.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Science & Medicine. A significant historical date for this entry is December 11, 1921.
Location. 41° 4.246′ N, 73° 37.373′ W. Marker is in Greenwich, Connecticut, in Fairfield County. Marker is at the intersection of North Street and Clapboard Ridge Road, on the right when traveling south on North Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 469 North Street, Greenwich CT 06830, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Putnam's Escape (approx. 2.4 miles away); Putnam Cottage (approx. 2.4 miles away); Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument (approx. 2.4 miles away); George Washington Paused Here (approx. 2.4 miles away); Founders and Proprietors Monument (approx.
this page online
Regarding Radio Station 1BCG. This transatlantic test proved the value of shorter wavelengths, considered worthless to long distance communications. Their success ushered in the age of global shortwave radio communications.
Also see . . .
1. The Trans-Atlantic Test of 1921 - Antique Wireless Museum. (Submitted on November 27, 2021, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
2. Antique Wireless Association. (Submitted on November 27, 2021, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
3. Radio Club of America. The Junior Wireless Club, started in 1909 became the Radio Club of America in 1911. It is the world’s oldest wireless society. (Submitted on November 27, 2021, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
4. 100th Anniversary of the Transatlantic Test Special Event. (Submitted on December 10, 2021, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
Photographed By Michael Herrick, November 25, 2021
2. Radio Station 1BCG Marker
American Radio Relay League collection
3. The Transmitter at Greenwich Connecticut used for the 1921 test
Credits. This page was last revised on December 17, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 27, 2021, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 377 times since then and 143 times this year. It was the Marker of the Week December 17, 2023. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 27, 2021, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. 3. submitted on December 16, 2023, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.
