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Elizabeth City in Pasquotank County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
 

Wright Brothers in the Albemarle

 
 
Wright Brothers in the Albemarle Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 18, 2021
1. Wright Brothers in the Albemarle Marker
Inscription.
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 & SpaceIndustry & 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

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Carolina, in Pasquotank County. It is at the intersection of North Water Street and East Colonial Avenue, on the right when traveling north on North Water Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 201 N Water St, Elizabeth City NC 27909, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s Coastal Plain. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in the Tidewater, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, 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 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
Wright Brothers in the Albemarle Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 18, 2021
2. Wright Brothers in the Albemarle Marker
shouting distance of this marker); W.H. Weatherly & Company Building (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); Luther Clement "Wimpy" Lassiter, Jr. (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Wright Brothers in the Albemarle (about 500 feet away); Wild's Raid (about 600 feet 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 353 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos:   1, 2. submitted on January 21, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
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Jul. 23, 2026