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Airship America, 1910
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Airship America, 1910
Airship America seen from the deck of the Royal Mail steamship Trent during the failed attempt to make the first aerial crossing of the Atlantic Ocean. The America had been commissioned by the US journalist and explorer Walter Wellman (1858-1934) for his expedition to be the first to reach the North Pole. However, in 1908, when Fredrick Cook claimed he had reached the North Pole, Wellman turned his attention to the Atlantic. The airships engines failed only 38 hours into the Atlantic crossing and, after drifting for another 33 hours, the crew were rescued by the Trent. Photographed in October 1910
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 9273147
© LIBRARY OF CONGRESS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1900s Aerostat Airship America Atlantic Ocean Aviation Balloon Boat Dirigible Failed Failure Hydrogen Balloon Lighter Than Air Ship Vehicle Bermuda Trent
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a significant moment in aviation history - the ill-fated attempt to make the first aerial crossing of the Atlantic Ocean. Taken in October 1910, it shows the Airship America as seen from the deck of the Royal Mail steamship Trent. Commissioned by renowned US journalist and explorer Walter Wellman for his ambitious North Pole expedition, this hydrogen balloon was repurposed after Frederick Cook claimed to have reached their intended destination. Determined not to be deterred, Wellman redirected his focus towards conquering the treacherous Atlantic. However, just 38 hours into their daring journey, disaster struck when the airship's engines failed. For another tense 33 hours, they drifted aimlessly until salvation arrived in the form of rescue by the Trent. The photograph not only serves as a visual testament to human perseverance but also highlights both triumph and failure within early aviation endeavors. It symbolizes an era where pioneers like Wellman pushed boundaries and risked everything for scientific exploration. Preserved by Library of Congress, this historical image transports us back to a time when lighter-than-air vessels ruled our skies and dreams soared higher than ever before. It stands as a reminder that progress is often born out of setbacks and that even unsuccessful ventures contribute significantly to our collective knowledge. As we gaze upon this monochrome snapshot frozen in time, we are reminded of humanity's relentless pursuit of discovery against all odds - forever etching itself into our shared history.
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