Wright Brothers National Memorial

Wind, sand, and a dream of flight brought Wilbur and Orville Wright to Kitty Hawk, North Carolina where, after four years of scientific experimentation, they achieved the first successful airplane flights on December 17, 1903. With courage and perseverance, these self-taught engineers relied on teamwork and application of the scientific process. What they achieved changed our world forever.

First Flight

Orville takes to the air in the flyer for the first time on December 17, 1903.

Orville takes to the air in the flyer for the first time as Wilbur assists.

Busts and Moon

Copper busts of Wilbur and Orville Wright stand atop Big Kill Devil Hill.

Copper busts of the two brothers with the moon visible in the blue sky.

First Flight Boulder

This boulder marks the spot where the Wright brothers first flew in their 1903 flyer.

The large boulder and plaque sit where the Wright brothers first flew in their 1903 flyer.

Walking Along History

Visitors explore the landing spots of the Wright brothers' first flights.

Visitors walk along the flight line where Wilbur and Orville Wright flew and landed.

Wright Brothers Monument

Black-and-white image of the Wright Brothers Monument

View straight up at the monument with the Sun directly behind the stonework.

National Aviation Day

Visitors enjoy celebrating aviation where modern aviation was born.

Two young girls look across the grounds of Wright Brothers National Memorial.

Journey to the Top

Visitors climb Big Kill Devil Hill to visit the Wright Brothers Monument.

Visitors moving along a sidewalk to the top of the hill where the monument stands.