Bessie Coleman
Waxahachie, Ellis County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(1892-1926) Born in Atlanta, Texas, pioneer aviatrix Bessie Coleman grew up and went to school in a Waxahachie neighborhood a few blocks north of this site. At age 23 she moved to Chicago and first expressed her desire to fly. Since there were no flight schools in this country that would teach African American women, Coleman learned to fly in France and obtained her international pilot's license in 1921. Upon her return to the United States, she was hailed as the first black woman pilot. Extremely popular, "Queen Bess", as she was known, performed as a barnstormer for integrated audiences at air shows and exhibitions around the country before her death in an air accident in Jacksonville, Florida. (2001)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Born in Atlanta, Texas, in 1892, Bessie Coleman grew up in Waxahachie before moving to Chicago at 23 with a dream of flight. Barred by race and sex from American flight schools, she trained in France and earned her international pilot's license in 1921, returning home as the first Black woman pilot. "Queen Bess" thrilled integrated crowds as a barnstormer until her death in a 1926 air accident.
Why it matters
Coleman shattered barriers of race and gender in aviation, becoming an enduring symbol of determination for African Americans and women alike.
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Related people
- · Bessie Coleman
Themes & tags
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