T.S.C. Lowe's Observation Flight - Washington, D.C.
Posted by: 
bluesnote
N 38° 53.308 W 077° 01.208
18S E 324791 N 4306339
This is in front of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.
Waymark Code: WMJNPG
Location: District of Columbia, United States
Date Posted: 12/09/2013
Views: 6
The plaque says, "On June 18, 1861, T.S.C. Lowe made a tethered observation flight with his gas filled ballon Enterprise from a spot in the National Mall in front of where the National Air and space Museum now stands. During this flight, he sent the first telegram ever dissipated from the air to President Lincoln in the White House, describing what could be seen from an altitude of 500 feet. The ascent marked the beginning of an observation ballon corps for the U.S. Army, the first American Military aeronautical unit, and the birth of aerial reconnaissance in the United States. 2011"
Group that erected the marker: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Address of where the marker is located. Approximate if necessary:
600 Independence Ave SW
District of Columbia, DC UNited States
20560
URL of a web site with more information about the history mentioned on the sign: Not listed
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