Yuma in Yuma County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Robert G. Fowler
1883 – 1966
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, March 13, 2010
1. Robert G. Fowler Marker
Inscription.
Robert G. Fowler. 1883 – 1966. On October 25, 1911, pioneer aviator Robert Grant Fowler touched down on this site, becoming the first person to land an airplane in Arizona under its own power. A native Californian, he had departed Los Angles October 19, and completed aviation history's first west to east transcontinental flight when he reached San Pablo Beach, Florida, February 17, 1912. He flew a Wright Model B, purchased from Orville and Wilbur Wright who taught him to fly. Fowler had given up driving race cars to pursue a career in the infant air industry. He ultimately manufactured airplanes, some of his own design, provided aviation services, and operated flying schools and public airports. Fowler was once president of The Early Birds of Aviation, an exclusive group of pilots who flew before 1917. He saw human flight advance from flimsy kite-like contraptions to multi-engine jets and rocket-powered space vehicles. Bob Fowler's courage, sacrifice and many contributions helped make possible this remarkable technological progress.,
Lauri Slenning, Sculptor.
On October 25, 1911, pioneer aviator Robert Grant Fowler touched down on this site, becoming the first person to land an airplane in Arizona under its own power. A native Californian, he had departed Los Angles October 19, and completed aviation history's first west to east transcontinental flight when he reached San Pablo Beach, Florida, February 17, 1912. He flew a Wright Model B, purchased from Orville and Wilbur Wright who taught him to fly. Fowler had given up driving race cars to pursue a career in the infant air industry. He ultimately manufactured airplanes, some of his own design, provided aviation services, and operated flying schools and public airports. Fowler was once president of The Early Birds of Aviation, an exclusive group of pilots who flew before 1917. He saw human flight advance from flimsy kite-like contraptions to multi-engine jets and rocket-powered space vehicles. Bob Fowler's courage, sacrifice and many contributions helped make possible this remarkable technological progress.
Lauri Slenning, Sculptor
Erected by Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area, The Early Birds of Aviation and Best Western Coronado Motor Hotel.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Air & Space. A significant historical date for this entry is February 17, 1841.
Location.
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32° 43.445′ N, 114° 37.46′ W. Marker is in Yuma, Arizona, in Yuma County. Marker is on South 4th Avenue south of West 1st Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 195 South 4th Avenue, Yuma AZ 85364, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Also see . . . Early Aviators. Photos and information on Robert G. Fowler (Submitted on March 27, 2010.)
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, March 13, 2010
2. Robert G. Fowler Marker
The nearby Robert G. Fowler marker is seen on the left and this marker is at the base of the statue.
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, March 13, 2010
3. Two Robert G. Fowler Markers
Photographed By Bill Kirchner
4. Robert G. Fowler Statue
Credits. This page was last revised on November 2, 2019. It was originally submitted on March 23, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,909 times since then and 49 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 23, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
