The Case:
A collector may have purchased a fragment of American aviation history. At first glance, it's a simple piece of frayed material in a frame.
But on the back of the frame are the words, "A piece of Prof. Lowe's Aeronautical balloon 'Enterprise'... after it was destroyed upon landing ... in 1862."
Could this be an artifact from the country's first military airship?
History Detectives heads to Washington, D.C. and Troy, New York to learn more about the ambitious and fascinating professor who launched the country's first aeronautic division by inflating his hot air balloon, The Enterprise, on the lawn of President Lincoln's White House.
Related Content
Related Links
Explore
-
Also in Season 5 Bill Picket Saddle Did this saddle ride into cowboy history with one of rodeo's most daring innovators?
-
Also with Wes Cowan Camp David Letter Could a box found in a dumpster hold information about the founding of a top-secret Presidential retreat?
-
Related Investigation Slave Banjo Is this the only surviving banjo carried by former slaves following Emancipation?
-
Also with Wes Cowan McKinley Casket Flag Did this flag once drape the casket of President William McKinley?
-
Also in Civil War: 1850-1877 Whaling Ship Might a ship docked in Mystic Seaport, hold secrets to the Underground Railroad?
-
Also with Wes Cowan Who Killed Jimmy Hoffa? Teamster boss Jimmy Hoffa disappeared without a trace in 1975. Was he murdered? If so, who killed him and why?
Comments
This is a place for opinions, comments, questions and discussion; a place where viewers of History Detectives can express their points of view and connect with others who value history. We ask that posters be polite and respectful of all opinions. History Detectives reserves the right to delete comments that don’t conform to this conduct. We will not respond to every post, but will do our best to answer specific questions, or address an error.