Skip to SearchSkip to NavigationSkip to BodySkip to Footer
National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service:  U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
Wright Brothers National MemorialThe first powered flight of December 17, 1903
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly

They Taught the World to Fly!

Wind, sand, and a dream of flight brought Wilbur and Orville Wright to Kitty Hawk, North Carolina where, after four years of experimentation, they achieved the first successful airplane flights in 1903. With courage and perseverance, these self-taught engineers relied on teamwork and application of the scientific process. What they achieved changed our world forever.

 
The Wright Memorial

Learn More About National Parks!

Wright Brothers National Memorial is one of over 390 parks in the National Park System. The National Park Service cares for these special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.
more . . . .

 
 
 
 

Write to

Wright Brothers National Memorial
1401 National Park Drive
Manteo, North Carolina 27954

E-mail Us

Phone

Visitor Information
(252) 441-7430

Fax

(252) 473-2595

Climate

Wind is an everyday occurrence on the Outer Banks and can range from gentle southwest breezes to strong northeast storm winds. Local weather changes rapidly and can be very unpredictable. Summer days are usually warm and humid and are often broken by fast-moving but severe thunderstorms. Winter temperatures are usually cool, though the wind can make them bitterly cold. Spring and Fall days can vary a great deal between these two extremes. Mosquitoes can be a significant problem throughout the warm weather months. Clothing should be seasonal, but have extra gear available for wind and rain.
Skip to SearchSkip to NavigationSkip to BodySkip to Footer
Lamplugh Glacier wall of blue ice  

Did You Know?
When Captain George Vancouver surveyed Southeast Alaska in 1794, the wall of ice that filled the bay was (at its greatest extent) 100 miles long, 20 miles wide, and 4,000 feet thick. Just 250 years later, this same ice has retreated 65 miles, the fastest glacial retreat on record.

Last Updated: September 11, 2008 at 16:05 EST