San Salvador, El Salvador — Central America (West Coast)
First Flights to El Salvador
Primeros Vuelos a El Salvador
When it was proposed that the first aircraft would fly to Central America, the Campo de Marte was chosen because it had a long landing strip. The first pilot that landed in El Salvador was the Italian Francois Durafour in 1900, presenting an acrobatic show. The Italian aviator Luis Venditti later landed a French "Anrriot" airplane at the Campo de Marte.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Air & Space. A significant historical year for this entry is 1900.
Location. 13° 42.209′ N, 89° 11.695′ W. Marker is in San Salvador. It can be reached from Alameda Juan Pablo II close to Diagonal Universitario. The marker is on the grounds of the Parque Infantil (Children's Park), near the entrance and parking lot. Touch for map. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is in North America, specifically in Central America, in Mesoamerica, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, and in the Western Hemisphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also a Spanish colony.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Monument to the Salvadoran Soldiers of 1863 - 1885 (about 210 meters away, measured in a direct line); Basilica of the Sacred Heart of San Salvador (approx. half a kilometer away); Simón Bolívar (approx. 0.7 kilometers away); Francisco Morazán (approx. 0.7 kilometers away); Farmacia Principal (approx. 0.7 kilometers away); The National Palace of El Salvador (approx. 0.7 kilometers away); Capitán General Gerardo Barrios (approx. 0.8 kilometers away); In Memory of the Murdered Jesuit Priests (approx. 0.8 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Salvador.
Regarding First Flights to El Salvador. This marker has some obvious errors, as the Wright Brother's first flight was in 1903. It is generally thought that the first flight to El Salvador was by Durafour on May 2, 1912. Luis Venditti's flights to El Salvador occurred in February 1922. His airplane was probably a French "Hanriot" and not an "Anrriot" as the marker describes. The "Campo de Marte" in the marker (or "Mars' Field") is now the Children's Park or Parque Infantil of San Salvador.

Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, November 11, 2015
3. First Flights to El Salvador Marker
The airplane near the marker has the following written on its foundation (English translation): Fouga Magister donated by the Salvadoran Air Force, In thanks to: Captain José Aquilino Siguenza, First Sergeant T.A. Elman Remberto Bran, Sergeant T.A. René Alfredo Montoya, San Salvador, August 2012.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 3, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 19, 2016, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 874 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 19, 2016, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia.

