When you study the history of aviation, you’ll often hear that the first flight over U.S. territory happened in North Carolina, or that Ohio, the home of the Wright brothers, is the birthplace of aviation. But the first time a person ever took to the sky in the U.S. was actually in Philadelphia. We’re talking about a hot air balloon flight that took place on January 9, 1793. Read more about this incredible story at philadelphia-future.
A French Aeronaut Over America
The first-ever hot air balloon flights were demonstrated in France by the Montgolfier brothers in 1783. This new technology fascinated many people, including Jean-Pierre Blanchard. A tinkerer since childhood, Blanchard had a deep interest in mechanical inventions and was a man of action. He had already built a four-wheeled amphibious vehicle and attempted to construct a flying machine.
Blanchard’s first successful hot air balloon flight took place in Paris on March 2, 1784. The spectacle was immensely popular at the time, and he quickly realized he could turn his hobby into a profitable business. Throughout 1784, he performed numerous commercial flights in France. However, they weren’t always successful, and the public’s interest began to wane.
With his French audience dwindling, Blanchard traveled to Great Britain. He found a sponsor, Dr. John Jeffries, and set out to win over the skeptical English public. In November 1784, Blanchard and Jeffries performed a flight for the Prince of Wales and other dignitaries. Following that success, they planned a daring journey: the first flight across the English Channel, which they accomplished on January 7, 1785.
Afterward, Blanchard demonstrated his skills in Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, and Poland. Having completed 44 flights in Europe, he decided to expand his horizons and sailed to the United States in September 1792. The adventurer arrived in Philadelphia on December 9, where he met with President George Washington and Pennsylvania Governor Thomas Mifflin. It was to them that Blanchard first revealed his plan for his 45th flight.
Up, Up, and Away!
The officials approved Blanchard’s plan for a January flight, and he began preparations. Jean-Pierre sold tickets for the event, promoting it as the first hot air balloon flight in U.S. history. He initially priced tickets at a costly $5 but later lowered the price to $2 to attract a larger crowd.
Blanchard chose the Walnut Street Prison as his launch site for several reasons:
- The location was secure for setting up the hydrogen generator and the balloon itself.
- The prison’s enclosed courtyard protected the balloon from the wind during inflation.
- The small, contained space allowed him to sell exclusive tickets.
The launch was set for January 9, giving the pilot a month to prepare meticulously. On that cold winter morning, a crowd of spectators—including President George Washington—gathered in the prison yard. The president handed Blanchard an official letter, which instructed all citizens to provide aid to the bearer. At 10 a.m., the balloon took off, marking the first time a person had ever flown over Philadelphia.
The letter Blanchard carried is considered the first instance of airmail in history. But that wasn’t the flight’s only unique “first.” Just before launch, someone tossed a dog into the basket. So, a dog also became the first canine to take to the air in the U.S.
As he approached the Delaware River, Blanchard had another first: an encounter with a flock of birds. According to his account, they were wild pigeons that were startled by the balloon. The birds split into two groups, creating a path for his aircraft to pass through.
Blanchard also used the flight for scientific experiments. At an altitude of 5,400 feet, he collected air samples, recorded the air pressure and temperature, checked his pulse, and tested a magnet. Just before landing, he even managed to have a snack of biscuits and wine.
Landing
Blanchard’s balloon remained in the sky for 45 minutes before landing eight miles from the starting point in Deptford, New Jersey. A farmer who witnessed the event was just as startled as the pigeons had been—after all, this was the first time anyone had ever landed in the U.S. directly from the air.
To calm the farmer’s nerves, Blanchard offered him some wine. The farmer initially refused but agreed after watching Blanchard take the first sip. Local farmers then helped him retrieve the balloon and find transport to get it back to the city. That evening, the courageous pilot met with the president again to recount the details of his journey.
This was the beginning of U.S. aviation, and it all started in Philadelphia. Blanchard returned to Europe in 1797 and continued flying. In 1808, he suffered a heart attack during a flight and fell from his balloon but survived the initial fall. He lived for another year with severe injuries but eventually passed away. His wife later continued his work but also tragically died during a flight.