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Home Virginia James City County Williamsburg Historical Markers First Balloon Flight in Virginia

First Balloon Flight in Virginia

Scotland St, Williamsburg, VA , USA

Latitude & Longitude: 37° 16' 26.148", -76° 42' 47.484"
  Virginia VA State Historical Marker
Virginia State
Historical Marker

 
On May 7, 1801, J. S. Watson, a student at William and Mary, wrote a letter detailing attempts at flying hot air balloons on the Court House Green. The third balloon, decorated with sixteen stars, one for each of the existing states, and fueled with spirits of wine, was successful. Watson wrote, I never saw so great and so universal delight as it gave to the spectators. This is the earliest recorded evidence of aeronautics in the commonwealth.

Last updated: 2/14/2015 15:17:00
 
   
 
 
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