Near Americus in Sumter County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Lindbergh's Solo Flight

May 1923

Photographed by David Tibbs, 2008

1. Lindbergh's Solo Flight May 1923 Marker

Inscription. The "Lone Eagle" first flew solo in early May, 1923 from Souther Field. Charles Lindbergh had come to Americus to purchase a surplus aircraft from the World War I training center. He chose a Curtiss JN4 "Jenny." He got the plane with a brand-new OX-5 engine, a fresh coat of olive drab dope, and an extra 20 gallon fuel tank for $500. Lindbergh had less than 20 hours instruction when he soloed. He practiced take-offs and landings for a week; then having filled up with forty gallons of gas, he set course for Montgomery, Alabama, to start his barnstorming career. Four years later Lindbergh flew alone in the "Spirit of St. Louis" from New York to Paris and into aviation history.

Erected 1985 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 129-8.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Air & Space. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1923.

Location. 32° 6.59′ N, 84° 11.076′ W. Marker is near Americus, Georgia, in Sumter County. It is on Souther Field Airport (Highway 49). Located at Souther Field Airport.

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The markers are located at the airport. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Americus GA 31709, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Georgia’s Piedmont.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Deep South.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Charles A. Lindbergh (approx. 0.6 miles away); Confederate Cemetery (approx. 3½ miles away); Sumter County Courthouse Bell (approx. 3.7 miles away); Founders Memorial Park (approx. 3.7 miles away); Americus Colored Hospital (approx. 3.7 miles away); Rees Park (approx. 3.8 miles away); Confederate Hospitals (approx. 3.9 miles away); Speaker Crisp (approx. 3.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Americus.

Also see . . . Charles Lindbergh's First Solo Flight & First Plane.

Lindbergh Sculpture. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by David Tibbs, 2008

2. Lindbergh Sculpture.

This sculpture is located near the marker. It depicts Lindbergh wing walking, a very dangerous and exciting spectacle.

(Submitted on September 15, 2008, by David Tibbs of Resaca, Georgia.)

Plaque At The Base Of The Lindbergh Sculpture image. Click for full size.

Photographed by David Tibbs, 2008

3. Plaque At The Base Of The Lindbergh Sculpture

Charles A. Lindbergh Soloed Here 1923 Memorial image. Click for full size.

Photographed by David Tibbs, 2008

4. Charles A. Lindbergh Soloed Here 1923 Memorial

This marker is located at the entrance doors to the airport. Inscribed into the granite are the words
"I had not soloed up to the time I bought my Jinny at Americus." Charles A. Lindbergh

Bronze Disk atop the Memorial image. Click for full size.

Photographed by David Tibbs, 2008

5. Bronze Disk atop the Memorial

Lindbergh's Solo Flight Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by David Seibert, January 24, 2011

6. Lindbergh's Solo Flight Marker

This sign, on Georgia Highway 49, is one of only two in Georgia alerting motorists to a historical marker ahead.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 30, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 15, 2008, by David Tibbs of Resaca, Georgia. This page has been viewed 2,287 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 15, 2008, by David Tibbs of Resaca, Georgia. 6. submitted on March 27, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.