January 31, 1858 the Great Eastern was successfully launched at Blackwall, London. They had been trying to get her into the Thames since Nov. 3, 1857 when she refused to take to the water, Brunel made attempt after attempt, but she would move only inches at a time. He brought the largest most powerful rams in the world to force her down the ways and did little more than destroy them one by one. But perseverance by Brunel, who would never quit, finally won the day.