First Airplane Landing on a Ship
Airplane landed for the first time on a ship, the USS Pennsylvania, in 1911. Eugene B. Ely, the pilot, landed his Curtiss pusher on a platform built on the ship, located in San Francisco Bay. A tailhook system, designed by Hugh Robinson, successfully slowed and stopped the plane. Older children can learn more about the fascinating landing and the short life of the pilot at: Eugene B. Ely.
Early Indianapolis 500 Road Race
Indianapolis 500 Road Race was held for the first time in 1911. Ray Harroun won the race with an average speed of 75 miles per hour.
Harry Atwood Taking Off from White House Lawn
Harry Atwood in 1911 landed his plane on the south lawn of the White House! President Taft presented him with a medal for his accomplishment. Later in the day Atwood turned his plane around and took off from the White House grounds.
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu was discovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911. Built around 1450 high in the Andes, the “Lost City of the Incas” was probably built for their leader Pachacuti. Bingham, a historian from Yale University, was looking for another city when a local guide brought him to Machu Piccu. The area was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. Children can learn more at: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/274.
Mona Lisa
Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre in 1911. A former employee of the Louvre, Vincenzo Peruggia, had removed her from the glass case he helped build. Then he stored the painting in his apartment. He tried to ransom the painting two years later, but he was caught. The Mona Lisa was returned to the Louvre in January 4, 1914. Children could visit a website at: Mona Lisa.
First Successful Transcontinental Flight Started in 1911. Calbraith Perry Rodgers left Sheepshead Bay, New York, on September 17, 1911. After making 70 stops, mostly crash landings, he landed in Pasadena, California, on November 5, 1911. Although the trip took 50 days, Rodgers was flying for only 3 days, 10 hours, and 14 minutes. About all that was left of the original plane was the drip pan and the vertical rudder.
Flag of Taiwan
Taiwan celebrates Republic Day, the 1911 anniversary of the Chinese Revolution. Located between the Taiwan Strait and the Philippine Sea, the main island and several smaller islands have an area of about 1.15 times the size of Maryland. Over 23 million people live in Taiwan, and Taipei is the capital. Children could learn more at: Taiwan.
Amundsen and Others with the Norwegian Flag
Roald Amundsen found the South Pole in 1911. People had been trying to locate the South Pole for hundreds of years. He, four other adults, and over 50 sled dogs located the pole. All five men returned to base camp safely. Children could view an amazing timeline of the expedition at: Timeline. They could also learn more about his mysterious 1928 death.