Miller Beach in Gary in Lake County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Octave Chanute 1832-1910

Photographed By Lou Donkle, June 19, 2022

1. Octave Chanute 1832-1910 Marker

Inscription. The figure of Octave Chanute is pointing toward the dune where, in July of 1896, he conducted his famous experiments with gliders. These experiments had a dramatic impact on the history of aviation. The publicity generated by the experiments prompted the Wright Brothers to contact Octave Chanute. Chanute became their mentor and advisor and was the first person that the Wright Brother contacted after their successful flight at Kitty Hawk on December 17th, 1903. It is said that Octave Chanute is the grandfather of flight.

Erected 2003 by Society for the Restoration of the Gary Bathing Beach Aquatorium and Octave Chanute's Place In History, Inc.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Air & Space. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1896.

Location. 41° 37.175′ N, 87° 15.436′ W. Marker is in Gary, Indiana, in Lake County. It is in Miller Beach. Marker is on Oak Avenue, one mile west of Montgomery Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 6918 Oak Avenue, Gary IN 46403, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Octave Chanute (here, next to this marker); Chanute Glider (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Octave Chanute (a few steps from this marker); Gary Bathing Beach Aquatorium

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(a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Octave Chanute (a few steps from this marker); Tuskegee Airmen Remembered (within shouting distance of this marker); Shipwreck Archeology (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Southern Point of Lake Michigan (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gary.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Marquette Park, Gary, Indiana. Markers are listed from east to west along Oak Avenue.

Octave Chanute Statue image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Lou Donkle, June 19, 2022

2. Octave Chanute Statue

Octave Chanute Statue and Replica Glider image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Lou Donkle, June 19, 2022

3. Octave Chanute Statue and Replica Glider

Credits. This page was last revised on April 19, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 8, 2023, by Lou Donkle of Valparaiso, Indiana. This page has been viewed 73 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 24, 2022, by Lou Donkle of Valparaiso, Indiana. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.