Wright Brothers' Milestones

Orville and Wilbur Wright were American aviation pioneers who invented, built, and flew the world's first successful powered airplane in 1903.
1867

Birth of Wilbur

Wilbur Wright was born near Millville, Indiana, to Milton and Susan Wright.

Family April 16, 1867
1871

Birth of Orville

Orville Wright was born in Dayton, Ohio, to Milton and Susan Wright.

Family August 19, 1871
1878

Early childhood and education

Inspired by a toy helicopter from their father, Wilbur and Orville developed an early interest in flight. Both attended high school but did not receive diplomas.

Education January 1, 1878 - December 31, 1885
1885

Wilbur's accident and family care

Wilbur suffered a facial injury in 1885, became withdrawn, and cared for his terminally ill mother, Susan, until her death in 1889.

Other January 1, 1885 - January 1, 1889
1889

Started printing business

Orville started a printing business with Wilbur; launched the West Side News and other publications.

Career March 1, 1889 - December 1, 1892
1892

Founded Wright Cycle Company

Founded the Wright Cycle Company in Dayton, building and repairing bicycles, which funded their aeronautical experiments.

Career December 1, 1892
1896

Interest in flight and research

Inspired by Otto Lilienthal's gliding experiments and other aviation pioneers, the brothers began serious study of flight.

Other May 1, 1896 - May 1, 1899
1899

First kite and glider experiments

Conducted extensive kite and glider experiments at Kitty Hawk, developing three-axis control and improving wing design.

Achievement July 1, 1899 - October 1, 1902
1903

First powered flight

Achieved the first powered, controlled, and sustained heavier-than-air flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Orville piloted the first flight, Wilbur the longest that day.

Achievement December 17, 1903
1904

Further Flyer development

Developed and flew improved Flyers at Huffman Prairie, Ohio; 1905 Flyer III became the first practical airplane.

Achievement January 1, 1904 - October 5, 1905
1906

Patent granted

Received U.S. Patent No. 821,393 for their flying machine, securing their invention.

Achievement May 22, 1906
1908

Public demonstrations in Europe and U.S.

Wilbur demonstrated flights in France, stunning the public and aviation experts; Orville demonstrated for the U.S. Army at Fort Myer.

Achievement August 8, 1908 - October 1, 1909

First fatal airplane accident

Orville was injured and passenger Thomas Selfridge killed in the first fatal airplane crash during a demonstration at Fort Myer.

Other September 17, 1908
1909

Wright Company founded

Founded the Wright Company to manufacture airplanes and train pilots; Wilbur served as president, Orville as vice president.

Business November 22, 1909
1910

First commercial air cargo

Wright Company transported first known commercial air cargo, flying dress silk from Dayton to Columbus, Ohio.

Achievement November 7, 1910
1911

Wilbur's later years and death

Wilbur stopped flying after 1911, focusing on business and legal matters. Died of typhoid fever in Dayton, Ohio, at age 45.

Other June 1, 1911 - May 30, 1912
1912

Orville's leadership and legacy

Orville led the company, sold it in 1915, and became an elder statesman of aviation. Received numerous honors and witnessed the evolution of flight.

Other May 31, 1912 - January 30, 1948
1948

Death of Orville

Orville Wright died in Dayton, Ohio, at age 76, having witnessed the dawn of the jet and supersonic age. Both brothers are buried in Woodland Cemetery, Dayton.

Other January 30, 1948