Burns Park in Ann Arbor in Washtenaw County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
McDivitt-White Plaza
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, September 10, 2021
1. McDivitt-White Plaza Marker
James A. McDivitt, Jr. (BSE AeroE '59, Hon PhD Astro Sci '65)
Edward H. White, II (MSE AeroE '59, Hon PhD Astro Sci '65)
On June 8, 1965, during their second orbit around Earth, command pilot James A. McDivitt controlled the spacecraft Gemini IV as Edward H. White became the first American to walk in space.
Brigadier General McDivitt again made space history in 1969 as commander of Apollo IX which included the first test of the Lunar Module in Earth orbit. He went on to direct the NASA Apollo Spacecraft Program for Apollo flights 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16. Lieutenant Colonel White died in the 1967 Apollo I launch pad fire.
In tribute to the U-M alumni and former city residents whose "successful completion of their mission has been a rallying point of the nation," the City of Ann Arbor dedicated this location to McDivitt and White on June 14, 1965.
Erected 1965 by City of Ann Arbor.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Air & Space. A significant historical date for this entry is June 8, 1965.
Location. 42° 16.51′ N, 83° 44.152′ W. Marker is in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in Washtenaw County. It is in Burns Park. Marker is at the intersection of South University Avenue and East University Avenue, on the right
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Social and Political Change on South University (a few steps from this marker); The Corners of South University and East University Avenues (a few steps from this marker); Engineering at Michigan (within shouting distance of this marker); The Denison Archway (within shouting distance of this marker); West Engineering - West Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); East University Avenue Campus Boundary (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Professors' Monument (about 500 feet away); Michigan Summer Symposium in Theoretical Physics (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ann Arbor.
Photographed By Nasa, circa 1971
2. James McDivitt
McDivitt graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.S. in 1959.
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, September 10, 2021
3. McDivitt-White Plaza Marker
Looking north parallel to the Marine Hydrodynamics Laboratory, University of Michigan
NASA, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons, May 12, 1966
4. Ed White
Official NASA photo of Ed White, who graduated from the University of Michigan with a Masters Degree. He would perish in the Apollo 1 fire on the launch pad less than a year later.
Photographed By Nasa, circa 1965
5. Gemini Four patch
Official NASA patch for Gemini IV mission. The highlight of the mission was the first space walk by an American, during which White floated free outside the spacecraft, tethered to it, for approximately 20 minutes.
Photographed By NASA James McDivitt, June 3, 1965
6. White Floats out the Open Hatch
Ed White floated free outside the spacecraft, tethered to it, for approximately 20 minutes.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 12, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 404 times since then and 59 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on September 12, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
