The Wright Aeronautical Laboratory, Dayton
In West Dayton, a reproduction facade commemorates the Wright Aeronautical Laboratory, a building that stood for 60 years as a testament to Orville Wright's dedication to aviation innovation. Constructed in 1916 at the cost of over $300,000, this laboratory became Orville's workspace for over three decades. He relocated his equipment from the former Wright Cycle Shop to this new facility, where he tirelessly worked six days a week.
The laboratory was more than just a workspace; it was a hub of activity, housing the iconic 1903 Wright Flyer from 1916 to 1928. This aircraft was repeatedly assembled and disassembled for various exhibitions, including MIT in 1916, the Pan American Aeronautic Exposition in 1917, and the International Air Races in 1924, before being shipped to London's Science Museum in 1928.
The Wright Aeronautical Laboratory was a vital part of Dayton's industrial heritage. Unfortunately, despite its historical significance, the building was demolished by December 1976. Today, the reproduction facade stands on the original site, serving as a reminder of the groundbreaking achievements that took place within its walls. Photographs and memories of the laboratory are preserved, offering a glimpse into the orderly and private world where Orville Wright spent the final three decades of his life.
A historical marker titled "31 Years at the Lab" honors Orville's relentless work ethic and passion for aviation. The marker's inscription poignantly notes that at age 76, Orville was still working daily in his lab when he suffered a heart attack, leading to his death three days later at home.
The laboratory was more than just a workspace; it was a hub of activity, housing the iconic 1903 Wright Flyer from 1916 to 1928. This aircraft was repeatedly assembled and disassembled for various exhibitions, including MIT in 1916, the Pan American Aeronautic Exposition in 1917, and the International Air Races in 1924, before being shipped to London's Science Museum in 1928.
The Wright Aeronautical Laboratory was a vital part of Dayton's industrial heritage. Unfortunately, despite its historical significance, the building was demolished by December 1976. Today, the reproduction facade stands on the original site, serving as a reminder of the groundbreaking achievements that took place within its walls. Photographs and memories of the laboratory are preserved, offering a glimpse into the orderly and private world where Orville Wright spent the final three decades of his life.
A historical marker titled "31 Years at the Lab" honors Orville's relentless work ethic and passion for aviation. The marker's inscription poignantly notes that at age 76, Orville was still working daily in his lab when he suffered a heart attack, leading to his death three days later at home.
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The Wright Aeronautical Laboratory on Map
Sight Name: The Wright Aeronautical Laboratory
Sight Location: Dayton, USA (See walking tours in Dayton)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Dayton, USA (See walking tours in Dayton)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Dayton, Ohio
Create Your Own Walk in Dayton
Creating your own self-guided walk in Dayton is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Wright Brothers Walking Tour
Renowned as the cradle of innovation for the Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur, Dayton, Ohio is rich with aviation history. The pioneers of powered flight transformed Dayton into a hub of technological advancement and ingenuity. Today, visitors to the city can explore several sites that commemorate their groundbreaking achievements.
The Aviation Trail Visitor Center and Museum is a perfect... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 7.8 Km or 4.8 Miles
The Aviation Trail Visitor Center and Museum is a perfect... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 7.8 Km or 4.8 Miles
Dayton Introduction Walking Tour
Dayton, Ohio, often called the "Gem City" (for no apparent reason), is also known as the "Birthplace of Aviation" for being the hometown of the Wright brothers, inventors and builders of the first practical airplane. Additionally, Dayton is colloquially referred to as "Little Detroit" for its significant role as a Midwestern manufacturing center.
The original... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
The original... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Dayton Historical Buildings Tour
Dayton, Ohio, is home to a number of impressive historical buildings designed in a variety of styles, many of which are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
One such is the Montgomery County Courthouse. Constructed in 1847, it exemplifies the Greek Revival style with its imposing columns and classical facades. Nearby, the Conover Building, dating back to 1900, showcases Eclectic... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
One such is the Montgomery County Courthouse. Constructed in 1847, it exemplifies the Greek Revival style with its imposing columns and classical facades. Nearby, the Conover Building, dating back to 1900, showcases Eclectic... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles