Everyone has heard about the Wright brothers and their status as the "God Father" of modern aviation. However, how much do you actually know about them? Here are 7 fun facts about the Wright brothers which you probably didn't know.
Both Brothers didn't finish High School
Both Wilbur - elder brother – and Orville never graduated from high school. Wilbur excelled in his studies and was set to attend Yale before a hockey accident derailed his plans. On the other hand, Orville missed out on several credits that were required for a diploma. Had the brothers finished high school and attended college would the aviation industry be as advanced as it is today?
Their First Venture was a Print Shop
In 1889 the brothers established a print shop where they published their own newspaper - The West Side News – and sold printing presses that they designed and built to other printers. Three years later they opened a bicycle shop which would later fund their aviation interest.
A Helicopter like Toy Sparked their interest in Aeronautics and Flying
In 1878 their father (Milton Wright) brought home a small helicopter-like toy made of wood and paper. Captivated by its mechanics for flight, the brothers developed a lifelong dedication to aeronautics. So, next time you're on a plane, thank this simple toy for making it all possible.
The Wright Brothers didn't actually Invent the First Fixed-wing Aircraft
The first fixed-wing aircraft, which was basically a kite mounted onto a stick was designed and flown almost a century ago before the Wright brothers’ inaugural flight on their Wright Flyer I. More accurately, the Wright brothers were the inventors of the first powered aircraft which could be controlled in the air.
Their Rise to Stardom was in Europe not in America
While the brothers were American, and their journey started in America, their success was not appreciated and welcomed on their own turf. Instead, their rise to stardom took place in France where they were treated like celebrities and were constantly featured in the press.
They had a Sister
Katherine Wright was the only female child in the household and the only one to graduate from college. In 1909, she joined her brothers in France and quickly became the face and ambassador of the Wright Company. She regularly represented her brothers at public events and was awarded the Legion d'honneur.
Both Brothers Never Married
Both brothers were too busy to get married, however, they did have each other. They worked together, lived together, ate together, and even shared a bank account. Apart from their aviation accomplishments, their brotherly bond is equally admirable.
If you want to learn more about the Wright brothers, then check out the Wright Brothers National Memorial located in North Carolina, United States.
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References
- History.com Editors, Nov 13 2020, Wright Brothers - https://www.history.com/topics/inventions/wright-brothers
- Tom D. Crouch, Sept 29 2020, Wright Brothers - https://www.britannica.com/biography/Wright-brothers
- Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, The Wright Brothers: Who were Wilbur & Orville - https://airandspace.si.edu/exhibitions/wright-brothers/online/who/
- Wright State University, History of the 1903 Wright Flyer - https://libraries.wright.edu/special/wrightbrothers/flyer/history
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