Yuma in Yuma County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Robert G. Fowler

1883 – 1966

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, March 13, 2010

1. Robert G. Fowler Marker

Inscription. On October 25, 1911, pioneer aviator Robert Grant Fowler touched down on this site, becoming the first person to land an airplane in Arizona under its own power. A native Californian, he had departed Los Angles October 19, and completed aviation history's first west to east transcontinental flight when he reached San Pablo Beach, Florida, February 17, 1912. He flew a Wright Model B, purchased from Orville and Wilbur Wright who taught him to fly. Fowler had given up driving race cars to pursue a career in the infant air industry. He ultimately manufactured airplanes, some of his own design, provided aviation services, and operated flying schools and public airports. Fowler was once president of The Early Birds of Aviation, an exclusive group of pilots who flew before 1917. He saw human flight advance from flimsy kite-like contraptions to multi-engine jets and rocket-powered space vehicles. Bob Fowler's courage, sacrifice and many contributions helped make possible this remarkable technological progress.

Lauri Slenning, Sculptor

Erected by Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area, The Early Birds of Aviation and Best

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Western Coronado Motor Hotel.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Air & Space. A significant historical date for this entry is February 17, 1841.

Location. 32° 43.445′ N, 114° 37.46′ W. Marker is in Yuma, Arizona, in Yuma County. It is on South 4th Avenue south of West 1st Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 195 South 4th Avenue, Yuma AZ 85364, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Arizona’s Colorado River Valley,

in the Sonoran Desert,

and in the Yuma Area.

It is also in the American Southwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also the Gadsden Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named Robert G. Fowler (here, next to this marker); Yuma Crossing (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Yuma County Arizona World War I Memorial (about 600 feet away); George Washington (about 700 feet

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, March 13, 2010

2. Robert G. Fowler Marker

The nearby Robert G. Fowler marker is seen on the left and this marker is at the base of the statue.

away); Masonic Temple – Lodge #17 (about 700 feet away); Yuma City Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away); Gandolfo Theater (approx. 0.2 miles away); In Memory of Senator Harold C. Giss (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Yuma.

Also see . . . Early Aviators. Photos and information on Robert G. Fowler (Submitted on March 27, 2010.)

Two Robert G. Fowler Markers image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, March 13, 2010

3. Two Robert G. Fowler Markers

Robert G. Fowler Statue image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Kirchner

4. Robert G. Fowler Statue

Credits. This page was last revised on November 2, 2019. It was originally submitted on March 23, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,328 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 23, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.