In 1887 her assignment for the New York World was an expose of the insane asylum on Blackwell's Island
The editor at The 
World liked Bly's moxie, and challenged her to come up with an... [DOC] [TLE] NYCHS: Nellie Bly -- In Blackwell's Island Asylum - NY Correction ... [PAR] The World features section front page nameplate Oct. 16, 1887.