Wilbur Wright

Who Was Wilbur Wright?

Wilbur Wright was the elder brother of Orville Wright and a pivotal figure in the development of the world’s first successful airplane. On December 17, 1903, the Wright brothers achieved a historic milestone by conducting the first free, controlled flight of a powered aircraft. During this extraordinary achievement, Wilbur piloted the airplane for 59 seconds, covering a distance of 852 feet. Today, the Wright brothers are celebrated as the “fathers of modern aviation.” Wilbur Wright passed away in Dayton, Ohio, on May 30, 1912.

Early Life

Wilbur Wright was born on April 16, 1867, near Millville, Indiana, as the middle child in a family of five. His father, Milton Wright, served as a bishop in the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, while his mother was Susan Catherine Koerner Wright. Wilbur’s closest companion during his childhood was his younger brother, Orville, who was born in 1871. Due to Milton Wright’s frequent travels for preaching, he often brought back small toys for his children. In 1878, he gifted them a small model helicopter, constructed from cork, bamboo, and paper, powered by a rubber band to rotate its blades. This model, inspired by the design of the French aeronautical pioneer Alphonse Pénaud, captivated both Wilbur and Orville, igniting a lifelong passion for aeronautics and flight.

Wilbur was an intellectually gifted and diligent student, excelling academically. He had a vibrant personality and planned to attend Yale University following high school. However, during the winter of 1885-86, an accident dramatically altered the course of his life. He sustained severe injuries in an ice hockey game when he was struck in the face by another player’s stick.

While most of his physical injuries eventually healed, the incident led Wilbur into a period of depression. As a result, he did not complete his high school diploma, abandoned his college plans, and withdrew to his family’s home. During this time, he immersed himself in his family’s library, devouring books, and took on the responsibility of caring for his ailing mother, who succumbed to tuberculosis in 1889.

In the same year, Wilbur and Orville established their own newspaper, the West Side News, where Wilbur served as editor and Orville as publisher. The brothers also shared a keen interest in bicycles, which were gaining popularity at the time. In 1892, they opened a bicycle shop that initially focused on repairing bicycles before they began selling their own designs.

Development of the Airplane

The Wright brothers, renowned for their commitment to mechanical innovation and scientific inquiry, were deeply influenced by the work of German aviator Otto Lilienthal. Following Lilienthal’s tragic death in a glider accident, Wilbur and Orville Wright were inspired to embark on their own aeronautical experiments. With a firm resolve to create a successful flying machine, the brothers traveled to Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, a location renowned for its favorable wind conditions.

Upon arrival, the Wright brothers focused on the critical task of wing design. They meticulously observed birds, noting how they angled their wings to achieve balance and control. This observation led to their innovative concept of “wing warping.” The breakthrough came when they integrated a movable rudder into their design. On December 17, 1903, they achieved a monumental milestone by completing the first controlled, powered flight of an airplane. During this extraordinary flight, Wilbur managed to soar for 59 seconds, covering a distance of 852 feet. Despite this landmark achievement, the brothers faced skepticism from both the media and fellow aviation experts, who were reluctant to accept their claims. In response to this disbelief, Wilbur set off for Europe in 1908, aiming to garner public support and promote their aircraft.

Later Fame

In France, Wilbur encountered a much more enthusiastic audience. He conducted numerous public flights and offered rides to officials, journalists, and dignitaries. In 1909, Orville joined his brother in Europe, accompanied by their younger sister, Katharine. The Wright brothers quickly became celebrated figures, receiving invitations from royals and heads of state and consistently featured in the press. Their success allowed them to begin selling airplanes in Europe before returning to the United States later that same year.

The Wright brothers transitioned into successful entrepreneurs, fulfilling contracts for airplanes across both Europe and the United States. Today, they are recognized as the “fathers of modern aviation.”

Throughout their lives, Wilbur and Orville shared equal credit for their groundbreaking work and maintained a close personal and professional relationship. However, their collaboration also involved a division of responsibilities, with Wilbur serving as the business strategist and executive of their venture, holding the position of president of the Wright Company.

Death and Legacy

Wilbur’s life was tragically cut short in April 1912 during a trip to Boston when he fell ill with typhoid fever. He passed away on May 30, 1912, at the family home in Dayton, Ohio.

Milton Wright, Wilbur’s father, later reflected on his son in his diary, writing: “A short life, full of consequences. An unfailing intellect, imperturbable temper, great self-reliance, and as great modesty, seeing the right clearly, pursuing it steadfastly, he lived and died.” This poignant tribute underscores the enduring impact of Wilbur Wright’s contributions to aviation and his remarkable legacy.