Rothschild in Marathon County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Wisconsin's First Home-Built Flying Machine
Photographed By Keith L, June 8, 2008
1. Wisconsin's First Home-Built Flying Machine Marker
Inscription.
Wisconsin's First Home-Built Flying Machine. . On June 23, 1911, near this location, Wausau native John Schwister became a pioneer of Wisconsin aviation. Research indicates that on this date Schwister flew the state's first home-built airplane capable of sustained, powered flight. Constructed of wooden ribs covered with light cotton cloth and powered by an early-model aircraft engine, Schwister's biplane flew for several hundred feet at a maximum altitude of twenty feet. Calling his plane the Minnesota-Badger, Schwister began the design and construction of his "flying machine" in St. Paul, Minnesota, but finished it in Rothschild, Wisconsin. Initially, Schwister flight-tested his biplane as a glider, towing it behind an automobile like a kite. He also built his own airplane hangar here. Schwister made many flights in 1911, including a 27-mile flight in which he soared to 2,000 feet, higher than nearby Rib Mountain. In 1912, Schwister was seriously injured in a plane crash, yet he continued to construct and fly his own airplanes making him Wisconsin's first successful "home-builder."
On June 23, 1911, near this location, Wausau native John Schwister became a pioneer of Wisconsin aviation. Research indicates that on this date Schwister flew the state's first home-built airplane capable of sustained, powered flight. Constructed of wooden ribs covered with light cotton cloth and powered by an early-model aircraft engine, Schwister's biplane flew for several hundred feet at a maximum altitude of twenty feet. Calling his plane the Minnesota-Badger, Schwister began the design and construction of his "flying machine" in St. Paul, Minnesota, but finished it in Rothschild, Wisconsin. Initially, Schwister flight-tested his biplane as a glider, towing it behind an automobile like a kite. He also built his own airplane hangar here. Schwister made many flights in 1911, including a 27-mile flight in which he soared to 2,000 feet, higher than nearby Rib Mountain. In 1912, Schwister was seriously injured in a plane crash, yet he continued to construct and fly his own airplanes making him Wisconsin's first successful "home-builder."
Erected 1998 by the Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 385.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Air & Space. In addition, it is included in the
Location. 44° 54.097′ N, 89° 36.878′ W. Marker is in Rothschild, Wisconsin, in Marathon County. Marker is on Kort Street west of West Grand Avenue, on the left when traveling west. Marker is at the north edge of Rothschild Park, between West Grand Avenue and Park Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Rothschild WI 54474, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Also see . . . John Schwister. Born: 12/07/1882;
Died: 02/07/1927 (Submitted on March 8, 2008.)
Photographed By Keith L, June 8, 2008
2. Wisconsin's First Home-Built Flying Machine Marker
Photographed By Keith L, March 8, 2008
3. Wisconsin's First Home-Built Flying Machine Marker
Photographed By Joel Seewald, May 30, 2017
4. Wisconsin's First Home-Built Flying Machine Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on July 6, 2017. It was originally submitted on March 8, 2008, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 2,239 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on June 15, 2008, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 3. submitted on March 8, 2008, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 4. submitted on July 4, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
