Whitesburg in Letcher County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
Pilot -- Spy -- Hero / Francis Gary Powers
Photographed By Duane Hall, August 3, 2016
1. Pilot — Spy — Hero / Francis Gary Powers Marker
(Side One)
Francis Gary Powers and the “U-2 Incident” catapulted activities of the United States into world view. This Burdine native, with other pilots directed by CIA, flew U-2’s (high altitude jet gliders) over Russia, photographing missile and industrial sites and nuclear tests. On May 1, 1960, when his plane was disabled 1300 mi. Over Russia, Powers parachuted to safety.
(Side Two)
1929 - 1977
Taken prisoner, Powers stated his compass had malfunctioned on a weather flight. Finding film intact in plane’s wreckage, the Russians told him he would stand trial for espionage. Sentenced to ten years imprisonment, Powers was released in 1962 in exchange for a Soviet spy. Later decorated by CIA. Died in civilian helicopter crash.
Erected 1983 by Kentucky Historical Society, Kentucky Department of Transportation. (Marker Number 1732.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • War, Cold. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 1, 1960.
Location. 37°
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Letcher County Honor Roll (here, next to this marker); Early Settler (approx. 1.9 miles away); James Still (approx. 3 miles away); Harriette Simpson Arnow (approx. 3 miles away); John Fox, Jr. (approx. 3 miles away); Harry Monroe Caudill (approx. 3 miles away); Kingdom Come (approx. 4.2 miles away); Scuttle Hole Gap Road (approx. 4˝ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Whitesburg.
Also see . . .
1. Francis Gary Powers - Wikipedia entry. (Submitted on August 23, 2016.)
2. 1960 U-2 Incident - Wikipedia entry. (Submitted on August 23, 2016.)
Photographed By Duane Hall, August 3, 2016
2. Pilot — Spy — Hero / Francis Gary Powers Marker
Photographed By Duane Hall, August 3, 2016
3. View to West Along Main Street
Photographed By Duane Hall, August 3, 2016
4. Marker at Southeast Corner of Main St / Webb St Intersection
Credits. This page was last revised on July 4, 2019. It was originally submitted on August 23, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 781 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 23, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.
