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Wright Brothers National Memorial

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Wright Brothers National Memorial Review

A 60-foot granite monument that resembles an airplane's tail stands as a tribute to Wilbur and Orville Wright. The two bicycle mechanics from Ohio took to the air here on December 17, 1903. You can see a replica of their Flyer and stand on the spot where it made four takeoffs and landings, their longest flight a distance of 852 feet. Exhibits and an informative talk by a National Park Service ranger bring the event to life. The Wrights had to transport in the unassembled airplane by boat, along with all their food and supplies for building a camp. They made four trips to the site beginning in 1900. The First Flight is commemorated annually.

    Contact Information

  • Address: 1000 N. Croatan Hwy, off U.S. 158 at MM 7.5, 5 mi south of Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, NC, 27954 | Map It
  • Phone: 252/441-7430
  • Cost: $4
  • Hours: Daily 9--5
  • Website: www.nps.gov/wrbr
  • Location: Northern Beaches
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    Wright Brothers National Memorial Review

    A must for pilots to land at the strip; an interesting historical site for the rest of us.

    The visitor center displays and the outdoor sculpture are interesting; the pavilion displays less so. Ranger talk good-same information guides you through the little museum. I enjoyed standing in the spot the flights took place with the distance markers. Hard to imagine because the place has changed so much from when the Wright brothers were there (grass and trees instead of sand).

    Sort of an odd place other than that--the stabilized hill (not in its original location) with the huge monument on top and lots of open grassland.

    by Kay2, 7/9/10

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