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 with Wes Cowan
George Washington Miniature
Did the artist paint this portrait from life, and what is its surprising connection to the abolitionist White Matlack?
-
Related Investigation
Lee Family Doll
Did this doll belong to a former slave of General Robert E. Lee?
-
Also with Wes Cowan
Bob Dylan Guitar
Is this the guitar Bob Dylan played at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965?
-
Also with Wes Cowan
Lawrence Billy Club
Was this truncheon used in the famous Bread and Roses labor strike?
-
Related Investigation
Civil War Soldier Photo
Is this the photo of a Civil War soldier actually a woman in disguise?
-
Also in Civil War: 1850-1877
Lincoln Oath
Was this note penned by Abraham Lincoln?
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.