Kill Devil Hills in Dare County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
12 Seconds that Changed the World
Photographed By Kevin W., July 19, 2008
1. 12 Seconds that Changed the World Marker
The photograph that documented the Wrights’ success was taken by John T. Daniels, a Kill Devil Hills Life Saving Station surfman, who had never used a camera before. It was not until the Wright brothers returned to Dayton, Ohio, that they developed the photograph and saw their first flight captured on film. The Daniels’ photo, however, only gives one perspective of that historic event – from the back of the airplane.
Stephen Smith’s “First Flight” sculpture, unveiled during the 2003 Centennial, and Frank Wootton’s painting help us to see the first flight from different angles. Just as the Wright brothers’ success depended on viewing the problems of flight in novel and creative ways, perhaps these new perspectives will inspire us to change the world and explore new horizons.
Erected by U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Wright Brothers National Memorial.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Notable Events. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1847.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Conquest of the Air (here, next to this marker); A hospitable people... (here, next to this marker); Among Friends (within shouting distance of this marker); Wright Brothers National Memorial (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); Dare County's Tribute to Veterans (approx. 0.2 miles away); Monument to the Impossible (approx. ¼ mile away); Pitch, Roll and Yaw (approx. ¼ mile away); Big Kill Devil Hill (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kill Devil Hills.
More about this marker. The main image on the marker is captioned, "Frank Wootton’s painting (right) of the first flight offers another view of this historic event."
The smaller, black-and-white photo is accompanied by the caption, "John T. Daniels, a Kill Devil Hills Life Saving Station surfman, took this photograph (above), documenting the first flight. Stand beside the sculpture of Surfman Daniels to see if you can capture this image."
Photographed By Kevin W., July 19, 2008
2. 12 Seconds that Changed the World Marker
Stephen Smith’s “First Flight” sculpture is in the background.
Photographed By Kevin W., July 19, 2008
3. 12 Seconds that Changed the World Marker
John T. Daniels, a Kill Devil Hills Life Saving Station surfman, took this photograph, documenting the first flight.
Photographed By Don Morfe, August 11, 2014
4. First Flight Sculpture
Photographed By Don Morfe, August 11, 2014
5. First Flight Sculpture
Photographed By Kevin W., July 19, 2008
6. Surfman Daniels
This is a sculpture of Surfman Daniels, who took a picture of the famous first flight even though he had never used a camera before. Visitors are encouraged to stand beside the sculpture, to see if they can capture the same image.
Photographed By Don Morfe, August 11, 2014
7. Plaques for the First Flight Sculpture
This sculpture depicting the First Flight donated by the State of North Carolina to Honor the Memory of Orville and Wilbur Wright and the citizens of North Carolina who welcomed and assisted them. Dedicated upon the Centennial of the Historic First Flight, December 17, 1903.
Plaque at the bottom of the base identifies - Stephen H. Smith, Sculptor.
Plaque at the bottom of the base identifies - Stephen H. Smith, Sculptor.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 22, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 12, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,710 times since then and 49 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 12, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 4, 5. submitted on August 30, 2014, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 6. submitted on August 12, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 7. submitted on August 30, 2014, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland.
