First Air to Ground Telegraph

[TSCLowe]

June 18, 1861

Thaddeus Lowe tethered his balloon "Enterprise" near the Columbia Armory (today the site is occupied by the National Air and Space Museum). He ascended 500 feet into the air, with a telegraph set and two passengers: George McDowell, an official of the American Telegraph Company; and Herbert C. Robinson, a local telegrapher who would use the telegraph set to send Lowe's first message. The telegraph line was connected to the War Department and the White House. Soon, Lincoln received the following message:

"To the President of the United States
Sir:

This point of observation commands an area nearly fifty miles in diameter. The city, with its girdle of encampments, presents a superb scene. I take great pleasure in sending you this first dispatch ever telegraphed from an aerial station, and in acknowledging my indebtedness to your encouragement for the opportunity of demonstrating the availability of the science of aeronautics in the military service of this country.
T.S.C. Lowe"

Shortly thereafter Lowe's balloon, with himself and his passengers still in the basket, were hauled closer to the ground. Then, the whole thing was walked several blocks from the Columbia Armory to the ground of the Executive Mansion. It was safely staked to the South Lawn, and the President examined the contraption from a second-story window. Afterward, Lowe was invited to spend the night in the White House, where he and the President discussed Lowe's proposal further. Soon thereafter, the Aeronautical Corps of the Union Army was born.

The picture on the left is that of Lowe's original message.
The pictures on the right are from our 'reenactment' of this historic event 150 years later in 2011.

 

[Seduzal]

Interesting article. Thanks for sharing.