
Library of Congress, Wright Collection
Explore the history of aviation as it relates to the National Park Service as we present select stories in aviation history. Choose from one of the following categories below to begin your narrative journey through aviation history!

Historic Fields and Airports
Read about the legacies of historic airfields and airports and of their significance in aviation history.

Historic Aviation Buildings
Buildings that once housed state of the art technology and ideas, now contain the stories that make up our aviation history.

Naval Aviation
Not long after the first practical airplane took flight, naval aviation took off from the makeshift decks of warships.

Military Aviation
A legacy that began with lumbering aircraft which skimmed the ground, now boasts of aircraft capable of supersonic flight.

Historic Figures in Aviation
They took flight to achieve their dreams, and as they accomplished their goals, they became part of something much bigger.

Rocket Propulsion
Read the stories of how rocket propulsion has taken aviation into and well beyond the upper levels of the atmosphere.

Historic Aviation Locations
These important places contain the stories that have shaped aviation and are now part of the core of aviation history.

Aviation in Space
From the moment man first flew, there was no stopping the ascent into the universe. Read the amazing stories that powered man into space.

Aviation Firsts
Learn about the people, places, objects and events that defined aviation and are now known for being the first of their kinds.

Military Aircraft
Learn about some of the different military aircraft that have served the United States Army Air Corps, Air Force, Navy and Marines.
Last updated: September 5, 2017