First Flight in Georgia - Athens
N 33° 57.544 W 083° 22.615
17S E 280367 N 3760163
A newly placed sign celebrates Ben Epps, avaiation pioneer, who's garage was located here.
Waymark Code: WM5CP6
Location: Georgia, United States
Date Posted: 12/18/2008
Views: 17
First Flight in Georgia
Site of Ben Epps' Garage
Georgia's pioneer avviator, Benjamin Thomas Epps, was born in Oconee County in 1888. He opened Athens' first automobile repair garage at this location on East Washington Street in 1907. That same year, nineteen-year old Epps designed and built his first airplane here - a monoplne with an upright buggy seat, bicycle wheels, and a 35-foot wingsspan powered by a fifteen-horsepower French Anzani engine. Its successful flight earned him recognition as the father of Georgia aviation. Epps tested his aircraft and operated a flying service at what is now Athens-Ben Epps Airport. He died of injuries suffered in a plane crash in 1937 at the age of forty-nine.
2007.10 Erected by the Georgia Historical Society, Athens-Clarke County Government, Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame, and the Epps Cousins Club 29-5
Type of Marker: Building
Marker #: 29-5
Date: 10.2007
Sponsor: Georgia Historical Society, Athens-Clarke County Government, Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame, and the Epps Cousins Club
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Visit Instructions:
Take a picture of the marker, yourself at the marker, your gps at the marker, or anything specific to the text on the marker. And don't forget to enjoy your visit.