America’s aviation history often singles out the tale of two brothers, Wilbur and Orville Wright, who had their famous “first flight” on the beach of Kittyhawk, North Carolina. As is the case with history, generally, there’s more to the overall historical picture than meets the eye.

Through this lens, you’ll discover and recognize the importance of the name Glenn Hammond Curtiss in the arenas of aviation, motorized vehicles, and more.

Born May 21, 1878 in Hammondsport, New York, Glenn Curtiss was nothing short of a gifted tinkerer, one, who in addition to his lasting legacy to innovate, was known to be a kind and generous man. He also was reported to have had an education that didn’t surpass the 8th grade, and even made his first invention, a stencil machine, while working at the Eastman Dry Plate and Film Company (Eastman Kodak Company), his first job.

There are many stories that can be told of Curtiss’ achievements in American industry and innovation. His awards and accolades alone deserve a page with thorough explanations, including his post-humorous induction into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 1964, as well as the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 1990.

While this site is not intended to cover them all, some of the most notable are:

• Set an unofficial world record of 136.36 miles per hour riding a V-8 motorcycle of his design and construction in Ormond Beach, Florida, named “the fastest man in the world” (January 24, 1907).

• His June Bug plane, the third of four Aerodrome aircraft produced for the Aerial Experiment Association (AEA), won the Scientific American Trophy and accompanying $2,500.00 prize on July 4, 1908. This demonstration is widely regarded as the first pre-announced flight of a heavy air machine in America.

• Received the first-ever U.S. Pilot’s License (June 8, 1911).

• Considered the “Father of Naval Aviation” for his many contributions to the U.S. Navy, as well as the “Founder of the American Aircraft Industry.”

• Won a handful of competitions in 1909-1910 that solidified his notoriety in the burgeoning aviation industry.

• Flew the first seaplane on January 26, 1911, and advanced water-borne aircraft with many innovations.

• Established the first flying school and exhibition company in 1909, as well as the Curtiss School of Aviation on Rockwell Field in San Diego in 1911, as well as several others throughout the Miami area, including Miami Beach, the first in 1912, and later in Opa-locka.

• Created the Jenny (JN-4) aircraft for the U.S. Army, a famous two-seater trainer manufactured in Buffalo and Hammondsport, New York.

• Created the Curtiss NC for the U.S. Navy, a long-range, four-engined flying boat that could hold a crew of five, hence the nickname “The Father of Naval Aviation.”

• Created the Adams Motor “Bungalo,” the precursor to the AirStream and today’s recreational vehicles, and then later developed a more luxurious fifth-wheel vehicle, the Aerocar.

Fun Facts

• Began his career as a Western Union bicycle messenger, a bicycle racer, and a bicycle shop owner

• Was an avid photographer who was known to have had a camera on him quite often

• Loved the sport of archery and established clubs in his developments

• Close friend of Alexander Graham Bell and was invited to develop an engine for flight after his many successes on the ground and for Graham’s Aerial Experiment Associations (AEA)

• On retirement to Florida sometime in the early 1920s, Curtiss founded 18 corporations, including the Opa-locka Company, Inc., and the Curtiss Propertiets, Inc.

Learn more about the life and legacy of Glenn Curtiss by visiting the institutions listed below.