Commemorative Sculpture

This sculpture recreates the events of 1903 and the First Flight achieved by the Wright Brothers.

Kurt Moses/NPS

Quick Facts

Location:

Kill Devil Hills, NC

Significance:

Commemorative Sculpture

Amenities

2 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Scenic View/Photo Spot

Located to the south of Big Kill Devil Hill, the December 17, 1903 sculpture represents the Wright brothers' first flight. Dedicated in 2003 as a gift from the State of North Carolina , the bronze and steel sculpture reenacts the historic first flight. Orville pilots the machine, Wilbur runs alongside, and the witnesses who assisted with the flights that day look on and cheer.

W.C. Brinkley

A lumberman from Manteo, W.C. happened to be at the Kill Devil Hills US Life-Saving Station when the Wright brothers signaled the crew to come over and assist with the flyer.

Adam Etheridge

A member of the US Life-Saving Service at Kill Devil Hills, Adam became a life-long friend of the Wright brothers and took care of their camp buildings when they left Kitty Hawk in 1903.

Johnny Moore

A sixteen-year-old boy who lived his whole life on the Outer Banks as a hunting and fishing guide.

Willis Dough

A member of the US Life-Saving Service at Kill Devil Hills, Willis also witnessed and assisted the Wright brothers in their later 1908 flights when they returned to Kitty Hawk for the last time together.

John Daniels

A member of the US Life-Saving Service at Kill Devil Hills, John took the famous photograph of the Wright brothers' first flight.

Orville Wright

Orville piloted the first flight on December 17, 1903: 12 seconds, 120 feet.

Wilbur Wright

Wilbur steadied the wing, then let go as the flyer lifted off.