Mystery Airships of the 1890s Inspired Wright Brothers' First Flight
In the late 19th century, the United States was gripped by a wave of mysterious airship sightings, now known as the 'Mystery Airships'. Between 1896 and 1897, Americans reported seeing unidentified vessels, often described as airships or dirigibles, performing remarkable maneuvers and speeds.
The phenomenon began in late 1896, with the first sighting occurring over Sacramento, California, on November 17. Reports quickly spread eastward, peaking in April 1897. These vessels were often reported to have powerful searchlights and capabilities far beyond the recognized technology of the time.
Inventor Thomas Edison was rumored to be involved, but he denied any connection. Despite the mystery, the sightings sparked interest in flight, even inspiring the Wright brothers. A toy helicopter their father brought home as children fueled their passion for aviation, leading to their first powered flight in 1903, nearly a decade after the airship sightings.
The identity of those behind the Mystery Airships remains unknown, with some UFOlogists like Jerome Clark suggesting they were early encounters with extraterrestrial craft. Regardless of their origin, these sightings captivated the nation and left a lasting impact on the development of aviation.
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