Today in History

September 24, 1852
Not A Bird, Not A Plane
The dirigible is indeed the world's first engine-powered, steerable airship. On September 24, 1852 French engineer Jules Henri Giffard lifts off from the Hippodrome in Paris and flies at a speed of about 6 miles an hour for about 20 miles until winds force him to land at a site near Trappes. Nevertheless, his demonstration of controlled flight holds promise for air travel as as a means of rapid passenger transit.



Today's Feature History Article

Airmail Letter

Stale Mail: The nation's first hot-air balloon postal deliveries barely got off the ground.




 



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