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Photographs

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.

Date Created:
September 1908
Creator:
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
Unique ID
W012P2O
Legacy ID
WHi 10493

Image

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Photographs
First to Fly — Army Demonstration

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