Montgomery in Montgomery County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
The Wright Brothers Flying School
Photographed By Mark Hilton, March 21, 2020
1. The Wright Brothers Flying School Marker
On December 17, 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright made the first controlled, powered, and sustained heavier-than-air human flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Over the next seven years, the brothers continued to develop their flying machine and had several breakthrough inventions, which significantly improved the success of their aircraft. In hopes of retaining a share of the newly emerging aviation market, the brothers formed a touring company to conduct flying exhibitions to promote the sale of their airplanes, train pilots who would fly in exhibitions, and teach buyers how to fly. In February 1910, an acquaintance suggested Wilbur Wright visit Montgomery, Alabama, which he described as having "mild climate and flat farmland". After arriving in Montgomery, Wilbur visited several sites before selecting an old cotton plantation owned by Frank D. Kohn as the site for the Wright Brothers first civilian flying school in the United States. The Commercial Club of Montgomery led the effort to construct a hangar and make improvements to the flying field using donations from local businesses. On March 26, 1910, Orville Wright made the first powered
this page online
Erected by the City of Montgomery.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Air & Space. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1910.
Location. 32° 22.664′ N, 86° 19.232′ W. Marker is in Montgomery, Alabama, in Montgomery County. Marker can be reached from Maxwell Boulevard east of North Holt Street, on the right when traveling west. Located in Wright Brother's Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 544 Maxwell Boulevard, Montgomery AL 36104, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Maxwell Air Force Base and the Air University (here, next to this marker); Maxwell Air Force Base/Air University (a few steps from this marker); Native Americans (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Clay Street Missionary Baptist Church (approx. ¼ mile away); Unforgettable (approx. ¼ mile away); Alabama River: The Grand Avenue (approx. 0.4 miles away); Europeans Along the Alabama River
Photographed By Mark Hilton
2. Marker is on the left of the two mounted on the brick foundation.
Also see . . . The Encyclopedia of Alabama article on the Wright Brothers Flying School. (Submitted on March 21, 2020, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)
Photographed By Mark Hilton
3. Wright Brothers replica plane looking north towards the Alabama River.
Public domain, 1905
4. Orville and Wilbur Wright in 1905.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, March 26, 2020
5. Wright Brothers replica plane builder.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 27, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 21, 2020, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 352 times since then and 146 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 21, 2020, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. 5. submitted on March 27, 2020, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
