Beloit in Rock County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Wisconsin's First Aviator

Photographed By Paul Fehrenbach, July 21, 2010

1. Wisconsin's First Aviator Marker

Inscription. The nation’s first commercially built “aeroplane” was assembled and flown here November 4, 1909, by Arthur P. Warner, Wisconsin’s first pilot. Self-taught, Warner was the 11th American to pilot a powered aircraft and first in the U.S. to buy an aircraft for business use.

Built by Glenn H. Curtiss, the biplane was “sister” to the aircraft in which Curtiss won the Bennett trophy race in Rheims, France, August 29, 1909. Inventor and manufacturer, Warner used the aircraft in research and to publicize his automotive products. He developed the automobile speedometer, automotive and machine tool accessories, and built the first electric power plant in Beloit. For his contributions to the aviation and automotive industries, Warner was posthumously elected to the Wisconsin Industrial Hall of Fame in 1962.

Erected 1964 by Wisconsin State Historical Society. (Marker Number 144.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical month for this entry is November 1886.

Location. 42° 31.311′ N, 88° 59.427′ W. Marker is in Beloit, Wisconsin, in Rock County. Marker is

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

at the intersection of Milwaukee Road (State Highway 81) and Lee Lane, on the right when traveling west on Milwaukee Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Beloit WI 53511, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Highway (approx. 1.2 miles away); Black Hawk War (approx. 1.2 miles away); The Medal of Honor (approx. 1.2 miles away); Roy Chapman Andrews (approx. 2.3 miles away); Beloit College (approx. 2.4 miles away); Rasey House (approx. 2½ miles away); Black Hawk at Turtle Village / The U.S. Military at Turtle Village (approx. 2.7 miles away); Abraham Lincoln (approx. 2.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Beloit.

Photographed By Paul Fehrenbach, July 21, 2010

2. Wisconsin's First Aviator Marker

Photographed By Paul Fehrenbach, July 21, 2010

3. Wisconsin's First Aviator Marker

Looking northeast from corner of Milwaukee Road and Lee Lane.

The Centennial of Flight in Wisconsin image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Paul Fehrenbach, July 21, 2010

4. The Centennial of Flight in Wisconsin

Small marker on right post.

Plaque on rock at base of marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Paul Fehrenbach, July 21, 2010

5. Plaque on rock at base of marker

Beloit, Wisconsin Aviation Memorial. Commemorating the making of early aviation history, in 1909 early bird Arthur P. Warner of this city, purchased, assembled and taught himself to fly a Curtiss Pusher aeroplane at Turtle Ridge on nearby Highway 15. Awarded by The Early Birds of Aviation an organization of pioneers in aeronautics who flew solo before December 17, 1916. Dedicated 1963

Credits. This page was last revised on November 29, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 13, 2011, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,142 times since then and 55 times this year. Last updated on May 13, 2011, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on May 13, 2011, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.