The National Mall in Southwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

T.S.C. Lowe's Observation Flight

AIAA Historic Aerospace Site

Photographed By Steven Berkowitz, June 24, 2008

1. T.S.C. Lowe's Observation Flight Marker

Inscription. On June 18, 1861, T.S.C. Lowe made a tethered observation flight with his gas-filled balloon Enterprise from a spot on the National Mall in front of where the National Air and Space Museum now stands. During this flight, he sent the first telegram ever dispatched from the air to President Lincoln in the White House, describing what could be seen from an altitude of 500 feet. The ascent marked the beginning of an observation balloon corps for the U.S. Army, the first American military aeronautical unit, and the birth of aerial reconnaissance in the United States.

Erected 2011 by The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Military • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the AIAA Historic Aerospace Sites, and the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is June 18, 1861.

Location. 38° 53.308′ N, 77° 1.181′ W. Marker is in Southwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in The National Mall. Marker is on Jefferson Drive Southwest east of 7th Street Southwest, on the right when traveling east. Marker was just dedicated and will be permanently affixed to the

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North entrance of the National Air and Space Museum facing the National Mall. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 600 Independence Avenue Southwest, Washington DC 20560, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Asteroids and Comets (within shouting distance of this marker); Mars (within shouting distance of this marker); Earth (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mercury (about 300 feet away); Cook Telescope (about 400 feet away); Sun (about 400 feet away); Star Nurseries (about 400 feet away); Phoebe Waterman Haas (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Southwest Washington.

Also see . . . Complete list of AIAA Historic Aerospace Sites. There were 58 plaques dedicated by AIAA between 2000 and 2013. (Submitted on November 19, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.)

Additional commentary.
1. "Lincoln's Air Force" and the Advent of Aerial Reconnaissance in the US
On Saturday, the National Air and Space Museum sponsored a sesquicentennial commemoration of "Professor" Thaddeus Lowe's balloon demonstration on the National Mall. The festivities included a replica balloon, living historians, cameo appearances by President Lincoln and Professor Lowe, and the dedication of a new plaque. More information and pictures of the dedication can be found at http://civilwarwashingtondc1861-1865.blogspot.com/2011/06/lincolns-air-force-and-advent-of-aerial.html

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, November 11, 2011

2. T.S.C. Lowe's Observation Flight Marker

— Submitted June 12, 2011, by Steven Berkowitz of Annnandale, Virginia.

Additional keywords. intelligence, civil war

Marker at the Air & Space Museum image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, November 11, 2011

3. Marker at the Air & Space Museum

Professor Lowe image. Click for full size.

Internet Archive

4. Professor Lowe

This portrait of Thaddeus S. C. Lowe, after a photo by Brady, appeared in Harper's Weekly, Vol. III, No. 143, Saturday, September 24, 1859.

Balloon Valve<br><small>In the Air and Space Museum</small> image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, June 4, 2019

5. Balloon Valve
In the Air and Space Museum

“This large wooden valve is from Thaddeus Lowes' City of New York. It was located at the top of the balloon and used to release hydrogen to change the balloon's altitude.” – Smithsonian Air and Space Museum

Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 12, 2011. This page has been viewed 963 times since then and 31 times this year. Last updated on October 6, 2019. Photos: 1. submitted on June 12, 2011, by Steven Berkowitz of Annnandale, Virginia. 2, 3. submitted on November 13, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 4. submitted on May 3, 2019, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 5. submitted on July 21, 2019, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.