Chanute in Neosho County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
A Flight Into History
Chanute - Wright Memorial
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., September 11, 2011
1. A Flight Into History Marker
Our city was named after Octave Chanute, a noted engineer who designed railroads throughout the United States. He also built the first bridge over the Missouri River at Kansas City.
He was a mentor and friend to Wilbur and Orville Wright. His book, "Progress In Flying Machines" (1894), was a major reference for them.
This sculpture represents the first controlled and powered flight by the Wrights and the first for mankind. It happened on December 17, 1903 at Kitty Hawk, a windswept island off North Carolina.
——————
A gift to our hometown
from the
High School Class of 1941
& Friends
Designed by Robert Blunk
Constructed by Leland Trout
December 17, 2003
Erected 2003 by The Chanute High School Class of 1941 and Friends.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Bridges & Viaducts • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1874.
Location. 37° 40.898′ N, 95° 27.177′ W. Marker is in Chanute, Kansas, in Neosho County. It is at the intersection of Main Street and the former railroad grade crossing, on the left when traveling
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Eastern Kansas. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Corn Belt, on the prairies, and on the Southern Plains. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Octave Chanute: Engineer (a few steps from this marker); Octave Chanute (a few steps from this marker); Thoughts on a Successful Flying Machine (a few steps from this marker); Chanute Announces Wright Brothers' Flight (within shouting distance of this marker); Octave Chanute and the Founding of the Town of Chanute (within shouting distance of this marker); Octave Chanute's Progress in Flying Machines (within shouting distance of this marker); William S. (Bill) Slane (within shouting distance of this marker); Octave Chanute and "The Problem of The Ages" (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chanute.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.
Also see . . .
1. Octave Chanute. National Park Service website entry (Submitted on April 14, 2026, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. Wright Brothers National Memorial, North Carolina. (Submitted on July 8, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
3. Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park. (Submitted on July 8, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
via NPS, unknown
2. Octave Chanute
4. City of Chanute, Kansas. (Submitted on July 8, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., September 11, 2011
3. Chanute - Wright Memorial Marker
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, June 23, 2023
4. A Flight Into History Marker
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., September 11, 2011
5. Chanute - Wright Memorial and Markers
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., September 11, 2011
6. Wright Flyer Sculpture at Chanute - Wright Memorial
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, June 23, 2023
7. Wright Flyer Sculpture
The historical marker can be seen at the right of this sculpture, across from the historic train depot.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 14, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 8, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 740 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 8, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. 2. submitted on April 14, 2026, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 3. submitted on July 8, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. 4. submitted on March 25, 2025, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. 5, 6. submitted on July 8, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. 7. submitted on March 25, 2025, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York.
