Sometimes we get so focussed on talking about the day to day things that are happening on the Outer Banks that we forget to write about all the wonderful things there are to do and see.
Hopefully talking about how wonderful the Wright Brothers Memorial in Kill Devil Hills is will make up for that.
Soaring 60’ into the sky the Wright Brothers Monument atop Kill Devil Hill cannot be missed. Dedicated in 1932, the art deco inspired design is considered a classic of its style. Running around the monument the words “IN COMMEMORATION OF THE CONQUEST OF THE AIR GENIUS ACHIEVED BY DAUNTLESS RESOLUTION AND UNCONQUERABLE FAITH” are etched into the granite.
It’s a bit of a trek to get to the top, but the view is worth the effort.
For that story, head to the Visitor’s Center.
The exhibits do a remarkable job or telling the how and why the Wright Brothers were successful. Yes…they were high school dropouts, but they were also serious scientists, creative in their thinking and meticulous in their research.
How creative?
When, after 1900 kite experiments, they found they were not getting the lift from their wing design the formulas being used at that time predicted, they built the world’s first wind tunnel. They then meticulously recorded the performance of various airfoils. What they found was the basic math was correct but it needed to be further refined to fully predict lift.
Of course the main attraction of the Visitor’s Center is the Rotunda where an exact replica the 1903 flyer is housed. There are interpreters on hand who do an amazing job of explaining how the Flyer worked and how it contributed so much to the world of flight.
There is so much more to see at the Wright Brothers Memorial in addition to the Flyer, the Monument, and exhibits. It’s a two to three hour visit that is worth every moment.
There is so much to explore on the Outer Banks that return visits are a must. Be a regular Brindley Beach Vacations visitor and experience the best the Outer Banks has to offer.