Wright Brothers in the Albemarle
While in Elizabeth City the Wright Brothers purchased provisions necessary for their stay on the Outer Banks. They depended on the stores located here to augment items bought from Dayton. Familiar with the warehouses in Elizabeth City, the Wrights purchased lumber, gasoline, hardware and assorted groceries and canned goods to sustain them while they were experimenting on the Outer Banks.
In 1902, the Wright Brothers purchased a barrel of gasoline from the N.G. Grandy Company located here. Grandy was in the general mercantile business and also bought or traded produce from local farmers. This was the first distribution point for Standard Oil Company in the area.
The Wrights were repeat customers at the Grandy Company in 1903, when they purchased gasoline for their engine to make the first powered flight on December 17, 1903.
Erected by Elizabeth City Historic Neighborhood Association.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is December 17, 1903.
Location. 36° 18.022′ N, 76° 13.11′ W. Marker is in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, in Pasquotank County. Marker is at the intersection of North Water Street and East Colonial Avenue, on the right when
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Wright Brothers in the Albemarle (within shouting distance of this marker); Medal of Honor Awarded to: Franklin Douglas "Doug" Miller (within shouting distance of this marker); May Freedom Fly (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Wright Brothers in the Albemarle (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Wright Brothers in the Albemarle (about 500 feet away); Culpeper’s Rebellion (approx. 0.2 miles away); Elizabeth City Confederate Monument (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Wright Brothers in the Albemarle (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Elizabeth City.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 21, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 21, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 155 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 21, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
