Wright Brothers National Memorial
Standing Where Flight Began
This is the first article in our series on the Wright Brothers. We begin at the place where it all happened: the Wright Brothers National Memorial at Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina.
Sacred Ground
On December 17, 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright achieved what humanity had dreamed of for millennia: sustained, controlled, powered flight. It happened right here, on the windswept dunes of the Outer Banks.
Today, the Wright Brothers National Memorial preserves this historic site and tells the story of two brothers who changed the world.
What You'll See
The memorial features several significant landmarks:
The Monument
Atop Big Kill Devil Hill stands a 60-foot granite monument, dedicated in 1932. The art deco tower is visible for miles and serves as a beacon for pilots approaching the area.
The inscription reads: "In commemoration of the conquest of the air by the brothers Wilbur and Orville Wright. Conceived by genius, achieved by dauntless resolution and unconquerable faith."
The First Flight Markers
On the ground below, a series of numbered markers show the exact distance of each of the four flights made on December 17, 1903:
- First flight: 120 feet
- Second flight: 175 feet
- Third flight: 200 feet
- Fourth flight: 852 feet
The 1903 Camp
A reconstructed hangar and living quarters show where the Wright Brothers lived and worked during their historic experiments. The spartan conditions – cold, mosquito-infested, far from home – demonstrate their dedication.
The Visitor Center
The park's visitor center houses reproductions of the 1902 glider and 1903 Wright Flyer, along with exhibits explaining the science and engineering behind the Wrights' success.
See It From Above
While the memorial is impressive from the ground, there's nothing quite like seeing it from the air. When you fly with OBX Airplanes, you'll soar over Big Kill Devil Hill and the monument, gaining a perspective that few visitors ever experience.
From above, you can see:
- The monument standing proud atop the dune
- The layout of the first flight markers
- The surrounding landscape the Wrights chose for their experiments
- The nearby First Flight Airport, named in their honor
Plan Your Visit
The Wright Brothers National Memorial is open year-round. Combine a ground visit with an aerial tour from OBX Airplanes for the complete experience.
See where flight began – from above and below. Book your aerial tour today.
OBX Airplanes – First Flight Airport, Manteo, NC – 252.473.2442