First known as Fort Whipple when it was part of the Defenses of
Washington DC during the US Civil War, Fort Myer, Virginia is
key in the US Air Force’s history. A significant milestone,
actually the cornerstone, as the first military aviation flights
occurred on Post in September 1908 when the Wright Flyer
ascended the skies above the drill field. In response to the US
Army’s Signal Corps request, the fledgling craft would spend the
days of the next week that September circling the acres where
the US Army’s cavalry and field artillery trained and General
Philip Sheridan deemed a showcase for the Cavalry. Pictured
below is a replica of that 1908 Wright Flyer most recently
displayed at Fort Myer during the 100 year commemoration
celebration of military flight. Posted 4 years, 5 months ago at
6:30 am. Add a comment September 17, 1908, Summerall Field, Fort
Myer, Virginia – 1LT Thomas E. Selfridge accompanied Orville
Wright on a trial flight of the Wright Brothers’ “aeroplane”
that resulted in another milestone i