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First to Fly — Army Demonstration
Image
Among the spectators present to watch Orville Wright's demonstration of the Wright Flyer at Fort Myer, Virginia, were Lt. Frank P. Lahm (left), one of the first military officers taught to fly, and Glenn Curtiss, who had already emerged as a rival to the Wrights. Curtiss had publicly demonstrated his plane, the "June Bug" several months earlier. The appearance of Curtiss must have been upsetting to Orville. Eventually the rivalry with Curtiss and the Wrights became so intense that it may have contributed to Wilbur's premature death in 1912.
September 1908
United States. Army. Air Service
Publication Information
| Creator | United States. Army. Air Service |
|---|---|
| Date Created | September 1908 |
Physical Description
| Format | Image |
|---|---|
| Extent | 1 photograph |
| Dimensions | 23 x 17 cm |
Collection Information
| Source Collection | Harry A. Bruno papers, 1919-1969 |
|---|---|
| Call Number | U.S. Mss 53AF |
| Media Number | Box 3 |
| Catalog Record | https://search.library.wisc.edu/catalog/999465401802121 |
| Finding Aid | https://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-whs-us0053af |
Copyright Information
| Copyright Status | NO COPYRIGHT - UNITED STATES |
|---|---|
| Rights Holder | Wisconsin Historical Society |
W012P2O
WHi 10493
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