Could I pass a week in the insane ward at Blackwell's Island?
I said I could and I would. And I did.
Nellie Bly
Ten Days in a Mad-House is the true account by female journalist Nellie Bly as she took on an undercover assignment investigating the inner workings of New York City's most notorious insane asylum on Blackwell's Island in 1887. The fact that Bly took the risk of getting herself committed, knowing that conditions could be extremely wild and dangerous, speaks volumes about her bravery and dedication to journalistic integrity.
Over the course of ten days, Bly (who expressed surprised at how easily she was pronounced insane) experienced the dreadful conditions of Blackwell's Island alongside her fellow inmates. She soon found that with no heat, filthy water, inedible food, abusive and brutal doctors, guards and nurses, it was no wonder the women had gone insane.
Bly published her findings in The New York World. Her graphic depiction of conditions at the asylum caused a sensation that brought Bly lasting fame and prompted a grand jury to launch its own investigation with Bly assisting.