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
-
Related Investigation
Home of Lincoln Assassination Plot
Did the plot to assassinate Abraham Lincoln begin in this New York City building?
-
Also in Civil War: 1850-1877
Whaling Ship
Might a ship docked in Mystic Seaport, hold secrets to the Underground Railroad?
-
Related Investigation
Little Bighorn Bayonet
Could this bayonet have been used at one of the largest massacres of U.S. soldiers by American Indians?
-
Also with Wes Cowan
Great Mexican War Posters
Is this an advertisement for a film made by an eyewitness to the Mexican Revolution?
-
Also in Season 3
Coney Island Lions
Could this be an artifact from the bygone days of early amusement parks?
-
Also with Wes Cowan
Cast Iron Eagle
Did this 12-foot-high eagle once grace the old Grand Central Station in Manhattan?
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.