Hammondsport in Steuben County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Hammondsport, New York
AIAA Historic Aerospace Site
| | Glenn H. Curtiss | |
1. Hammondsport Marker
Hammondsport is the proud hometown of Glenn H. Curtiss, a legendary figure in early flight and the Father of Naval Aviation. It was here, between 1904 and 1915, that Curtiss collaborated with other aviation pioneers, including Alexander Graham Bell, to foster significant advancements in the field. In 1908, John Newton Williams achieved the first U.S. manned vertical lift with a Curtiss engine.
The Curtiss School of Aviation, founded in 1910, witnessed Blanche Stuart Scott's historic flight as the first woman to solo an aircraft in the U.S.
In 1920, the Aerial Service Corporation was established, later known as Mercury Aircraft Inc., developing the pioneering T-2 Mercury Chic aircraft and contributing to the nation's efforts in World War II by manufacturing P-40 tail sections for Curtiss-Wright in Buffalo. Their legacy continues today as Mercury Integrated Manufacturing.
Erected 2025 by The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included
this page online
Location. 42° 23.927′ N, 77° 13.932′ W. Marker is in Hammondsport, New York, in Steuben County. It is on New York State Route 54 half a mile south of Main Street, on the right when traveling south. Located at the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 8419 NY-54, Hammondsport NY 14840, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Upstate New York, specifically in Western New York, and in the Southern Tier. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. 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 Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, New Netherland, and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Cradle of Aviation (here, next to this marker); Glenn H. Curtiss (about 400
courtesy AIAA, June 28, 2025
2. Hammondsport Marker Dedication
More about this marker. The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics recognizes significant accomplishments made by the aerospace industry. AIAA dedicated 58 plaques between 2000 and 2013, and they began dedicating new plaques again in 2025. This is their second plaque this year. The first honored Otto Lilienthal at Gollenberg in Stφlln Germany.
This plaque will remain at the Curtiss Museum until Curtiss Park opens in downtown Hammondsport.
Also see . . . Glenn H. Curtiss Museum. (Submitted on July 9, 2025.)
Photographed by Craig Baker
3. Glenn H. Curtiss Museum
courtesy AIAA
4. Curtiss Flying Boat at Hammondsport N.Y. 1913
Credits. This page was last revised on July 9, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 9, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 439 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 9, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.
