Congressional Medal to Cyrus W. Field for the Successful Laying of the Atlantic Cable 1867

This gold medal, crafted by William Barber, commemorates Cyrus W. Field's monumental achievement. It bears witness to the laying of the Atlantic cable. Look at the globe encircled by laurel branches on the medal; it is bisected by the cable, symbolizing unity and connection. This motif recalls ancient maps where the known world was often surrounded by similar wreaths, suggesting knowledge, triumph, and the boundaries of understanding. Consider too the twenty-six stars above the inscription, echoing the stars on the American flag. Such arrangements of stars have long been used to signify divine order and national identity. These symbolic elements are not merely decorative; they tap into a collective memory, evoking deep-seated emotions of national pride, and a sense of overcoming natural barriers. This sentiment, passed down through history, highlights mankind’s yearning to control, measure, and connect our ever-expanding world.