Kitty Hawk Camps

After considering several locations, Wilbur and Orville Wright decided Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, would be the most advantageous place to test their flying machine. They came in the fall of 1900 and stayed for several days.

They returned in 1901, pitched a tent, and built a rough shed to use as a workshop. When they came back in 1902, they had to rebuild much of the shed, so they added 10 feet to it.

Their most famous camp came in 1903, the year they began their powered flight experiments. Prior to this they had done other experiments and tests but used gliders without engines. This time they added a second shed 44 feet long and 16 feet wide to house their flyer.

They didn't return again until 1908, when they found the buildings heavily damaged, so they hired two men to help rebuild. They did more experiments to improve their plane.

Today you can tour the National Wright Brothers' Memorial at Kitty Hawk. Much of the history has been rebuilt and displayed. I found the museum and grounds interesting and the staff helpful. For more information call 252-475-9401 or go to the website at:  http://www.nps.gov/wrbr/index.htm

Actual archived photos from the camp

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