Miller Beach in Gary in Lake County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Octave Chanute
Innovator, Dreamer
Photographed By Lou Donkle, July 10, 2022
1. Octave Chanute Marker
Octave Chanute, a French-born engineer, is celebrated for his pioneering aviation experiments here on the dunes of Lake Michigan. He was an innovator for railroads as well.
He designed wood and iron trestle bridges for some of the most challenging locations.
One of Octave Chanute's many projects was testing maintenance treatments of railroad ties. He introduced the use of "date nails" hammered into the tie to indicate what year the tie was treated and when it was placed in the railroad bed.
Visionary for Flight
"Let us hope that the advent of a successful flying machine, now only dimly foreseen and nevertheless thought to be possible, will bring nothing but good into the world; that it shall abridge distance, make all parts of the globe accessible, bring men into closer relation with each other, advance civilization, and hasten the promised era in which there shall be nothing but peace and goodwill among all men."
To learn more about Chanute's famous glider experiments and his work with the Wright brothers, visit the various plaques and exhibits inside and outside the Aquatorium.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Air & Space.
Location. 41° 37.175′ N, 87°
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Chanute Glider (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Octave Chanute (a few steps from this marker); Octave Chanute 1832-1910 (a few steps from this marker); Gary Bathing Beach Aquatorium (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Octave Chanute (within shouting distance of 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.
Photographed By Lou Donkle, July 10, 2022
2. Octave Chanute Marker
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 54 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 23, 2022, by Lou Donkle of Valparaiso, Indiana. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
