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
Technique:
Feature:
Feature:
Related Links
Explore
-
Also in Season 5
Nora Holt Autograph Book
Why did this Harlem Renaissance luminary own a book filled with U.S. Presidents' signatures?
-
Also in Season 5
Muhlenberg Robe
Was this robe torn off during a fiery sermon to rally congregants to the cause of the Revolutionary War?
-
Related Investigation
NC-4: First Across The Atlantic
Is this piece of fabric a remnant from the first transatlantic flight?
-
Related Investigation
General Lee's Farewell Address
Could this be a signed copy of one of the most famous documents in the history of the Civil War?
-
Also in Season 5
Red Cloud Letter
How was a leader of the Lakota people connected with the controversial sculptor of Mount Rushmore?
-
Also in Civil War: 1850-1877
Civil War Submarine
Is this submarine an example of new technology developed by the Confederates during the Civil War?
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.