George Alexander Spratt
West Brandywine Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
George A. Spratt (1870-1934): Historic farm where Spratt performed aeronautical experiments that aided Wilbur and Orville Wright in their invention of the airplane. His knowledge helped diagnose an issue with the Wright's 1901 glider. Spratt gave the Wright Brothers his idea of simultaneously measuring the lift and drift forces of a surface which helped them determine the 1903 Wright Flyer's wing shape. The Wrights visited here in December of 1906.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
On this Chester County farm at the turn of the 20th century, George A. Spratt pursued the science of flight, running aeronautical experiments during the years when human flight was still a dream. His insight helped Wilbur and Orville Wright diagnose a flaw in their 1901 glider, and his idea of measuring lift and drift forces together informed the wing design of the 1903 Wright Flyer. The Wright brothers thought enough of him to visit here in December 1906.
Why it matters
Spratt is a little-known contributor to the invention of the airplane, a reminder that the Wrights' triumph drew on a wider community of experimenters who shared their knowledge freely.
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Related people
- · George Alexander Spratt
- · Wilbur Wright
- · Orville Wright
Related events
- · Invention of the airplane
Themes & tags
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