1903 Hangar

The Wright Brothers 1903 machine, large camp building where it was housed and their living quarters.

Library Of Congress

Quick Facts

Location:

Kill Devil Hills, NC

Significance:

Historic Reconstruction

Amenities

2 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Wheelchair Accessible

In 1903, when Wilbur and Orville moved from glider experiments to powered flight, they needed more space to house their machine. They built a 44 foot x 16 foot hangar for just such a purpose.

After 1911, the brothers abandoned the site, and natural exposure to wind and weather destroyed the hangar.

Putting the Flyer Together

The Wright brothers arrived for their fourth season at Kitty Hawk in September 1903. They built their flying machine back in Dayton, and had it shipped to the Outer Banks. The components of the 1903 Wright Flyer arrived in October of that year, and they finished assembling the machine in November.

Reconstruction

The camp buildings were first reconstructed in 1953 in commmoration of the 50th anniversary of the first flight. Due to storm and termite damage, these structures were removed in 1963 and rebuilt between 1963 and 1965.

In 1976, the hangar was replaced due to deteriorating conditions and the living quarters recieved much needed repairs the same year.

In 1984, the hangar was rebuilt for a third time, to more exact specifications, after being damaged by a storm.

In 1993, the parks preservation team rebuilt both the living quarters and the hangar building. Although they subsequently require occasional replacement materials and repairs, these are the current structures that stand today.