Elizabeth City in Pasquotank County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Wright Brothers in the Albemarle
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, June 23, 2012
1. Wright Brothers in the Albemarle Marker
The “world’s first flight crew” were the surfmen of the U.S. Lifesaving Stations along the Outer Banks The Wright brothers relied on them as they tested their experimental aircraft (1900-1903). The Life Saving Service’s primary job was to guard the welfare of sailors along the treacherous Outer Banks. The Service evolved into the U.S. Coast Guard (1915).We spent morning in making repairs on tail, and truck for starting At half past one o’clock we put out signal for station men, and started for the hill, which took us about forty minutes. After testing engine, with the help of men (Bob Wescott, John T. Daniels, Tom Beacham, W.S. Dough, and Uncle Benny O’Neal), we took machine 150’ uphill and laid track 8° 50’ slope.
Orville Wright’s Diary. December 14, 1903
The modern U.S. Coast Guard embodies both the spirit of the early Lifesaving Service, and the aviation advancements of the Wright brothers. The Coast Guard’s continuing presence in the Albemarle region is an unbroken tradition of heroism. Their motto is: Semper Paratus, “Always Prepared.”
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this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Air & Space. A significant historical date for this entry is December 14, 1791.
Location. 36° 17.841′ N, 76° 13.075′ W. Marker is in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, in Pasquotank County. Marker can be reached from South Water Street near East Ehringhaus Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 501 S Water St, Elizabeth City NC 27909, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Battle of Elizabeth City (a few steps from this marker); Pasquotank River (within shouting distance of this marker); A Town Divided (within shouting distance of this marker); Culpeper’s Rebellion (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Joseph C. Price (about 400 feet away); J. C. B. Ehringhaus (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Wright Brothers in the Albemarle (about 700 feet away); Soybean Processing (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Elizabeth City.
More about this marker. On top is a photograph with the caption, "The Wright brothers and locals after an unsuccessful attempt to fly, December 14, 1903."
On the bottom is a photograph with the caption, "U.S. Coast Guard Search and Rescue Demonstration."
Photography courtesy of the Museum of the Albemarle
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, June 23, 2012
2. Wright Brothers in the Albemarle Marker
Photographed By Bernard Fisher
3. Elizabeth City Waterfront Park
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, June 23, 2012
4. Museum of the Albemarle opposite the waterfront park
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 26, 2012, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 582 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 26, 2012, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 3. submitted on June 25, 2012, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 4. submitted on June 26, 2012, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.
