Is this an airstrip or a prairie?

It is a prairie that was an airstrip with much history behind it. This location in Dayton, Ohio was used by Orville and Wilber Wright as an airstrip while they worked on improvements of their flyer and also their own flying skills.  Below is a replica of their hangar that is pretty much identical to actual photos taken around 1904 – 1905 during their more than 100 flights.

The catapult pictured below, was used to help the aircraft pick up speed quickly for takeoff.  It was literally, a catapult to the air.

Aviation has come a long way since 1904, hasn’t it?

Images copyright – Irene Tron.  All rights reserved.

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