Childhood Home of the Wright Brothers, Dayton

Childhood Home of the Wright Brothers, Dayton

The childhood home of Orville and Wilbur Wright, holds a significant place in aviation history. Built in 1909, this house was situated just a block away from the Wright brothers' bicycle shop, which played a crucial role in their journey toward inventing the first successful airplane. This historic location is now adjacent to the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, providing a contextual backdrop for visitors interested in the legacy of the Wright brothers.

Orville Wright was born in this house in 1871, and it was here that he and his brother Wilbur began their groundbreaking pursuit of powered flight. The brothers designed and built their 1903 Wright Flyer in the vicinity, marking the inception of their pioneering work in aviation. The house not only witnessed their early years but also the blossoming of their revolutionary ideas that would change the world.

In 1936, the original house was purchased by industrialist Henry Ford and relocated to Greenfield Village at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan, as part of his efforts to preserve significant historical structures. Although the house itself no longer stands on its original site, the front porch and the outline showing the room layout remain, allowing visitors to imagine the early environment of the Wright brothers. These remnants serve as a tangible connection to the past, maintaining the site's historical importance.

Today, the homestead is free and open to the public, offering a glimpse into the origins of two of the most influential figures in aviation history. Visitors can explore the site at any time, with free parking available at the nearby Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Dayton. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Childhood Home of the Wright Brothers on Map

Sight Name: Childhood Home of the Wright Brothers
Sight Location: Dayton, USA (See walking tours in Dayton)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Dayton, Ohio

Create Your Own Walk in Dayton

Create Your Own Walk in Dayton

Creating your own self-guided walk in Dayton is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Dayton Historical Buildings Tour

Dayton Historical Buildings Tour

Dayton, Ohio, is home to a number of impressive historical buildings designed in a variety of styles, many of which are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

One such is the Montgomery County Courthouse. Constructed in 1847, it exemplifies the Greek Revival style with its imposing columns and classical facades. Nearby, the Conover Building, dating back to 1900, showcases Eclectic...  view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Wright Brothers Walking Tour

Wright Brothers Walking Tour

Renowned as the cradle of innovation for the Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur, Dayton, Ohio is rich with aviation history. The pioneers of powered flight transformed Dayton into a hub of technological advancement and ingenuity. Today, visitors to the city can explore several sites that commemorate their groundbreaking achievements.

The Aviation Trail Visitor Center and Museum is a perfect...  view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 7.8 Km or 4.8 Miles
Dayton Introduction Walking Tour

Dayton Introduction Walking Tour

Dayton, Ohio, often called the "Gem City" (for no apparent reason), is also known as the "Birthplace of Aviation" for being the hometown of the Wright brothers, inventors and builders of the first practical airplane. Additionally, Dayton is colloquially referred to as "Little Detroit" for its significant role as a Midwestern manufacturing center.

The original...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles