Friday, December 16, 2011

This Day in History December 17, 1901



Orville and Wilbur Wright became famous on this date in 1901.  Or at least they began the path to fame.  And Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.  Most of you will remember that the Wright Brothers flew the first self-propelled, heavier-than-air aircraft.  This biplane was piloted by Orville, and the biplane stayed in the air for 12 seconds and covered 120 feet.

Their quest for flight began in the 1890's when they learned of German glider flights.  They did not attend college, but their mechanical skills were extraordinary.  They owned their own bicycle shop, and it was through this success that they were able to pursue their dreams of flight.

As they continued to improve their airplanes following their first flight, they kept a low profile.  This enabled them to secure patents and contracts for their flying machines.  In 1909, they founded the Wright Company to build and market their airplanes.  Unfortunately, Wilbur died of typhoid fever in 1912, but Orville lived until 1948.

Because this story is so well-known, I am only leaving you one link:
http://www.history.co.uk/this-day-in-history/December-17.html

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