First Flight

Ancient Capital: Early Aeronautical History

On this date, January 9th, 1793, the first manned balloon flight in America was launched from the grounds of the Walnut Street Prison in Philadelphia. Jean-Pierre Blanchard, a Frenchman, flew a hydrogen gas balloon to an altitude of approximately 5800 feet, travelling over the Delaware River, before he touched down in Deptford Township, New Jersey, a distance of approximately 22 miles. President Washington was in attendance for the launch, as were future presidents John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe. The hydrogen used to inflate the balloon was generated by mixing sulfuric acid with iron filings: Fe(s) + H₂SO₄(aq) → FeSO₄(aq) + H₂(g). The site, a prison yard, was chosen for its relative lack of obstructing trees. The capital was otherwise unsuitable for aviation, having been laid out as “a greene country towne” according to the wishes of its founder, William Penn, in 1682.