Since writing this, I’ve run across even more examples:
The transatlantic telegraph was met with celebrations similar to the transcontinental railroad, etc. (somewhat premature as the first cable broke after two weeks). Towards the end of Samuel Morse’s life and/or at his death, he was similarly feted as a hero.
The Wright Brothers were given an enormous parade and celebration in their hometown of Dayton, OH when they returned from their first international demonstrations of the airplane.
Since writing this, I’ve run across even more examples:
The transatlantic telegraph was met with celebrations similar to the transcontinental railroad, etc. (somewhat premature as the first cable broke after two weeks). Towards the end of Samuel Morse’s life and/or at his death, he was similarly feted as a hero.
The Wright Brothers were given an enormous parade and celebration in their hometown of Dayton, OH when they returned from their first international demonstrations of the airplane.
I’d like to write these up at some point.
Related: The poetry of progress (another form of celebration, broadly construed)