American Innovation: 13 Born-in-the-USA inventions

Airplane

Flying machines have fascinated inventors since the Renaissance, and the Wright brothers continued this research in the early 20th century. Orville and Wilbur Wright built a laboratory in North Carolina to test the aerodynamics of wings. Their patent for the heavier-than-air vehicle, the aeroplane, was filed in 1903, and issued May 22, 1906. The Wright Brothers are often considered the pioneers of manned flight, and their biplane design inspired thousands of aviators, as well as transformed travel, transport, and military operations.

Source: Scientific American Inventions and Discoveries by Rodney Carlisle (Wiley, 2004)

5 of 13
You've read 3 of 3 free articles. Subscribe to continue.
CSM logo

Why is Christian Science in our name?

Our name is about honesty. The Monitor is owned by The Christian Science Church, and we’ve always been transparent about that.

The Church publishes the Monitor because it sees good journalism as vital to progress in the world. Since 1908, we’ve aimed “to injure no man, but to bless all mankind,” as our founder, Mary Baker Eddy, put it.

Here, you’ll find award-winning journalism not driven by commercial influences – a news organization that takes seriously its mission to uplift the world by seeking solutions and finding reasons for credible hope.

Explore values journalism About us