Near Americus in Sumter County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Lindbergh's Solo Flight
May 1923
Photographed By David Tibbs, 2008
1. Lindbergh's Solo Flight May 1923 Marker
Inscription.
Lindbergh's Solo Flight. May 1923. The "Lone Eagle" first flew solo in early May, 1923 from Souther Field. Charles Lindbergh had come to Americus to purchase a surplus aircraft from the World War I training center. He chose a Curtiss JN4 "Jenny." He got the plane with a brand-new OX-5 engine, a fresh coat of olive drab dope, and an extra 20 gallon fuel tank for $500. Lindbergh had less than 20 hours instruction when he soloed. He practiced take-offs and landings for a week; then having filled up with forty gallons of gas, he set course for Montgomery, Alabama, to start his barnstorming career. Four years later Lindbergh flew alone in the "Spirit of St. Louis" from New York to Paris and into aviation history.
The "Lone Eagle" first flew solo in early May, 1923 from Souther Field. Charles Lindbergh had come to Americus to purchase a surplus aircraft from the World War I training center. He chose a Curtiss JN4 "Jenny." He got the plane with a brand-new OX-5 engine, a fresh coat of olive drab dope, and an extra 20 gallon fuel tank for $500. Lindbergh had less than 20 hours instruction when he soloed. He practiced take-offs and landings for a week; then having filled up with forty gallons of gas, he set course for Montgomery, Alabama, to start his barnstorming career. Four years later Lindbergh flew alone in the "Spirit of St. Louis" from New York to Paris and into aviation history.
Erected 1985 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 129-8.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Air & Space. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1923.
Location. 32° 6.59′ N, 84° 11.076′ W. Marker is near Americus, Georgia, in Sumter County. Marker is on Souther Field Airport (Highway 49). Located at Souther Field Airport. The markers are located at the airport. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Americus GA 31709, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker
This sculpture is located near the marker. It depicts Lindbergh wing walking, a very dangerous and exciting spectacle.
Photographed By David Tibbs, 2008
3. Plaque At The Base Of The Lindbergh Sculpture
Photographed By David Tibbs, 2008
4. Charles A. Lindbergh Soloed Here 1923 Memorial
This marker is located at the entrance doors to the airport.
Inscribed into the granite are the words "I had not soloed up to the time I bought my Jinny at Americus." Charles A. Lindbergh
Photographed By David Tibbs, 2008
5. Bronze Disk atop the Memorial
Photographed By David Seibert, January 24, 2011
6. Lindbergh's Solo Flight Marker
This sign, on Georgia Highway 49, is one of only two in Georgia alerting motorists to a historical marker ahead.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 17, 2019. It was originally submitted on September 15, 2008, by David Tibbs of Resaca, Georgia. This page has been viewed 1,896 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 15, 2008, by David Tibbs of Resaca, Georgia. 6. submitted on March 27, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.