Governors Island in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Early Birds
Photographed By R. C., July 18, 2009
1. The Early Birds Marker
Wilbur Wright Lincoln Beachy Glenn H. Curtiss Eugene Ely Charles K. Hamilton Hugh A. Robinson Harry N. Atwood James J. Ward Harry M. Jones Albert S. Heinrich Harold Kanther Victor Carlstrom Steve MacGordon Raynal C. Bolling Ruth B. Law
From May 1916 to March 1917, members of the Governors Island Training Corps flight trained here.
Captain Philip A. Carroll—Commanding
Filip A. Bjorklund—Instructor
Charles Reed Lawrence Sperry J. Walter Struthers Hobart A. H. Baker William A. Aarned Al Sturtevant Frederick T. Blakeman Edwin M. Post, Jr. Stedman S. Hanks William Walton Cord Meyer Albert B. Gaines, Jr. Charles D. Wiman Howard G. Lapsley James E. Miller John M. L. Rutherford Seth Low
Major General Leonard Wood, U.S.A.—Commanding
Headquarters, Eastern Department
Erected under the auspices of the Early Birds, an organization of those who flew solo before December 17, 1916.
Erected by the Early Birds.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Notable Events. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1917.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Flight on Governors Island (here, next to this marker); Demolition on South Island (a few steps from this marker); Liggett Hall (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Clayton Road (about 400 feet away); Division Road (about 400 feet away); Slate Roofs on Colonels Row (about 500 feet away); Polo on Governors Island (about 500 feet away); Purchase of Governors Island Monument (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.
Photographed By R. C.
2. The Early Birds Marker
Photographed By R. C.
3. The Early Birds Marker
The propeller on the front of the monument was cast directly from a mold made from one of the Wright Brothers' wooden propellers.
Photographed By R. C., July 18, 2009
4. The Early Birds Marker - Propeller Plaque
This bronze propeller was cast directly from one of the Wright Brothers' wooden propellers. Two were used to propel the first United States Military Aeroplane, a 1909 Wright. The original was loaned to the Early Birds by the Smithsonial Institution, National Air Museum - Paul E. Garber, Head Curator.
Photographed By R. C., July 18, 2009
5. The Early Birds Insignia
Photographed By R. C.
6. Early Birds Marker (Profile)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 20, 2009, by Ronald Claiborne of College Station, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,099 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 20, 2009, by Ronald Claiborne of College Station, Texas. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
