Rutland in Rutland County, Vermont — The American Northeast (New England)
George Schmitt
1892-1913
Photographed By Kevin Craft, October 12, 2014
1. George Schmitt Marker
Inscription.
George Schmitt of Rutland, along with his brother, Charles, built and flew the state's first glider near here in 1909. Schmitt learned to fly in the company of Curtis, Wright and Baldwin. He was the second person to fly in Vermont. Schmitt set national aviation and distance records. At 19 he and his manager formed the Schmitt Aviation Company for exhibition flying. He was the first pilot to fly in parts of the Caribbean, Central and South America. He was the first person to fly from the Atlantic to the Pacific. He flew the first Vermont Airmail at the Rutland Fair. At 21 his career and life came to an end in the state's first fatal accident. He was taking a friend up when the friend panicked and broke control wires. Schmitt is buried in Rutland.
George Schmitt of Rutland, along with his brother, Charles, built and flew the state's first glider near here in 1909. Schmitt learned to fly in the company of Curtis, Wright and Baldwin. He was the second person to fly in Vermont. Schmitt set national aviation and distance records. At 19 he and his manager formed the Schmitt Aviation Company for exhibition flying. He was the first pilot to fly in parts of the Caribbean, Central and South America. He was the first person to fly from the Atlantic to the Pacific. He flew the first Vermont Airmail at the Rutland Fair. At 21 his career and life came to an end in the state's first fatal accident. He was taking a friend up when the friend panicked and broke control wires. Schmitt is buried in Rutland.
Erected 2012 by Vermont Division for Historic Preservation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Air & Space. A significant historical year for this entry is 1909.
Location. 43° 35.774′ N, 72° 58.214′ W. Marker is in Rutland, Vermont, in Rutland County. Marker is on South Main Street (U.S. 4), on the right when traveling south. Marker is located near the main entrance to the state fairgrounds. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 175 South Main Street, Rutland VT 05701, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of
Credits. This page was last revised on December 24, 2019. It was originally submitted on October 15, 2014, by Kevin Craft of Bedford, Quebec. This page has been viewed 623 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on October 15, 2014, by Kevin Craft of Bedford, Quebec. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
