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The Optical Telegraph – on CD-ROM


By Liv Skovholm

Try a different game and obtain new knowledge of an important epoch in Danish history.


During the early 19th century the Napoleonic wars raged in Europe, and Denmark was at war with England. In 1807, Denmark had to surrender its noble fleet and in 1814 Norway was lost. A remarkable communication form was introduced in Denmark during these turbulent years: The optical telegraph.

By means of an ingenious system of masts the Danes sent secret codes all through the country, the contents of which the enemy was unable to read. In order to decipher the code, you would need the code book which had been distributed to all telegraph stations and which the telegraph personnel had strict orders to destroy if the enemy should attempt to get near it.

The history of the optical telegraph is presented in accessible language in both Danish and English and with many illustrations on the CD-ROM "Words in Sight" produced by Post & Tele Museum. Actor Bjarne G. Nielsen relates the dramatic events that often took place at the telegraph stations. There is also a game in which you shall send and read signals via the optical telegraph. The game is based on real events and you shall e.g. send messages about the naval battle of the Gunboat War in 1813 and about the course of the Three Years War 1848-1850.

The CD-ROM is available in the museum shop at DKK 45.00 + p & p.


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