Elizabeth City in Pasquotank County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Wright Brothers in the Albemarle
The first news account of the aeronautical experiments by the Wright Brothers on the Outer Banks was published in The North Carolinian, a local newspaper printed in this building by Dr. Palemon John (ca. 1827-1902). In 1885 the paper was referred to as being 'purely industrial and nonpartisan, has a large northern patronage and enjoys a circulation of 1,100 weekly. For knowledge of Eastern North Carolina, [and] the advantages of settling here, no better reference can be found." In a column titled "Carolina's Air Ship," on August 1, 1901 the newspaper informed its readers that:
If report is to be credited, there is building on an unfrequented part of Carolina's coast an air-ship which is to put Santo Dumont's far-famed flying machine to the blush. An Ohio inventor with two companions and fellow-workmen, it is stated, have located with their various constructive materials and appliances at a quiet spot near Nags Head and have been there busied for sometime in the perfection of a machine with which they expect to solve the problem of aerial navigation.
Erected by First Flight Centennial Commission.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Communications • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is August 1, 1901.
Location.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s Coastal Plain. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Tidewater. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Corporal S.E. Perry (within shouting distance of this marker); Pasquotank County Courthouse 1882 (within shouting distance of this marker); Historic Events in Pasquotank (within shouting distance of this marker); World Wars I and II Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); A Town Divided (within shouting distance of this marker); W. O. Saunders (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named A Town Divided (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Elizabeth City.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 22, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 113 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 22, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
