Elizabeth Cochran Seaman (1864-1922) adopted the pen name "Nellie Bly" to go undercover as an investigative journalist in the 1880s. She is best known for infiltrating an insane asylum on Blackwell's Island in New York to expose the unfair treatment of patients. Her reporting led to New York City improving conditions for the mentally ill. | Viewing NYC

Nellie Bly Monument Coming to Roosevelt Island; Massive Bushwick Sinkhole Swallows Car; New Park in Chelsea

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Elizabeth Cochran Seaman (1864-1922) adopted the pen name "Nellie Bly" to go undercover as an investigative journalist in the 1880s. She is best known for infiltrating an insane asylum on Blackwell's Island in New York to expose the unfair treatment of patients. Her reporting led to New York City improving conditions for the mentally ill.