From Ohio to the Outer Banks

From Ohio to the Outer Banks. . In the early 1900s, very few people believed that human powered flight would ever be possible. Many prominent scientists were trying to conquer flight, but with no success. Many had begun to give up hope of achieving heavier-than-air flight., Over 680 miles away in Dayton, Ohio, brothers Orville and Wilbur Wright became fascinated with flight. From their bicycle shop in downtown Dayton the brothers began researching and experimenting with flight mechanics., As their design progressed, the brothers wrote the U.S. Weather Bureau for help finding the best place to build and test their invention. The wind-blown village of Kitty Hawk was selected for having steady winds, soft sand, wide-open terrain, and a sparse population (to deter onlookers). The Wright brothers began testing kites and gliders from the top of the dunes, refining their approach with each attempt., The Wright brothers experienced many failures, but ultimately were met with success on December 17, 1903 with a twelve-second flight that changed humankind forever., (Inset) The Wright Cycle Company Shop, located in downtown Dayton, Ohio, served as the starting point for the Wright brothers flying experiments. , The shop is preserved as part of Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park., (Inset) Reconstructed camp buildings at Kitty Hawk, NC. Hangar and workshop on the left, living quarters on the right. , In 1903 the Town of Kill Devil Hills did not exist, so all historical references mention Kitty Hawk., This exhibit was provided by Outer Banks Forever, who, along with the Town of Kill Devil Hills and the Outer Banks Tourism Bureau, supported the completion of the sidewalk in front of Wright Brothers National Memorial.