Del Rio in Val Verde County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Cal Rodgers and the Vin Fiz

Photographed by Brian Anderson, September 5, 2021

1. Cal Rodgers and the Vin Fiz Marker

Inscription. In 1910, publishing titan William Randolph Hearst offered $50,000 to the first person to successfully complete a transcontinental flight across America in 30 days, with a stop in Chicago, Illinois. Adventurer and newly-trained aviator Calbraith "Cal" Perry Rodgers sought sponsorship from the Armour Meatpacking Company to bankroll his attempt. In return, Rodgers agreed to promote Armour's new grape-flavored soft drink called Vin Fiz. The marketing agreement finalized, Rodgers took off for the West Coast from Sheepshead Bay, Long Island, New York, on Sept. 17, 1911, in a customized Wright Brothers EX Flyer he named, appropriately, Vin Fiz. Mountain ranges were a major problem for early underpowered aircraft, so after reaching Chicago, to avoid large ranges, Rodgers steered southward to Texas. Accompanying him on his record-breaking attempt was a support train carrying spare parts, mechanics and Rodgers' wife, Mabel.

Rodgers crossed into Texas and reached San Antonio by Oct. 22. Two days later, he landed in Uvalde and later in Spofford. The next morning, he crashed while taking off but survived. On Oct. 26, 1911, Rodgers

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landed in Del Rio. The arrival of the airplane was such an event that schools closed to allow children to see the Vin Fiz land in a field east of San Felipe Creek and south of the railroad tracks. Rodgers' stay in Del Rio was brief, but his landing brought aviation to Val Verde County. From here, Rodgers proceeded westward toward El Paso and landed in Pasadena, California on Nov. 5, 1911, but failed to win the Hearst challenge. In his attempt, though, Rodgers flew over 1,000 miles of Texas and landed in the state 23 times.

Erected 2005 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 13609.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Air & Space. A significant historical date for this entry is October 26, 1911.

Location. 29° 21.965′ N, 100° 53.127′ W. Marker is in Del Rio, Texas, in Val Verde County. It can be reached from De La Rosa Street. Marker is located along the Mayor Dora Alcalá Hike and Bike Trail. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Del Rio TX 78840, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Hill Country.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

Photographed by Brian Anderson, September 5, 2021

2. Cal Rodgers and the Vin Fiz Marker

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Camp Michie (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Site of Camp Del Rio (about 700 feet away); Langston School (approx. 0.2 miles away); Val Verde County (approx. ¼ mile away); U.S. Army Camel Corps (approx. ¼ mile away); San Felipe Springs (approx. 0.6 miles away); San Felipe Independent School District (approx. 0.6 miles away); San Felipe High School (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Del Rio.

Additional keywords. Cal Rodgers and the Vin Fiz

Credits. This page was last revised on February 10, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 4, 2021, by Brian Anderson of New Albany, Ohio. This page has been viewed 935 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 4, 2021, by Brian Anderson of New Albany, Ohio.