Historical Perspective

This shot is an attempt to replicate what is said to be the most famous photograph ever taken. The Wright Flyer, piloted by Orville Wright, has just taken off from a monorail launching strip. Wilbur Wright, running along the right side of the aircraft, held onto the wing to balance the machine until it left the monorail. The picture was taken by Surfman J. T. Daniels, a member of the crew of the Kill Devil Hills Lifesaving Station (later absorbed in to the Coast Guard). He and the other members of the crew routinely assisted the brothers with the tough physical challenge of dragging the Flyer back up the dune for re-launch.