Kitty Hawk - Outer Banks North Carolina

Carol and I visited the Outer Banks in April. Besides visiting four Outer Banks Lighthouses, we spent the better part of a morning in the Wrights Brothers National Park Museum. In 2003, a wealthy donor commissioned a bronze replica of the historic plane forthe hundredth anniversary celebration. On the day we visited, the wind was blowing hard, fixing in our minds why the Wright brothers picked this location to attempt the first flight.



Orville is depicted at the controls as he prepared for what would become the first powered flight.

While the first flight only lasted 12 seconds and covered 120 feet, it began the era of flight. It was shortly there after that Wilbur flew the unheard of distance of 852 feet and was airborne for 59 seconds.

There is much more to see and do here. The main building houses an exact replica of the first plane with the canvas and wood frame. They have a cutaway of the engine with a description of the wright brothers design. A movie is shown periodically through out the day and they have portraits of persons who have accomplished milestones in aviation on the outer walls of this room.

On the grounds there are replicas of their living quarters and the hangar for the plane. There is a memorial tower high on a hill commemorating that historic accomplishment. I have been here several times and the exhibit is always expanding.

The gift shop is always worth a visit.