Curtiss on his Biplane

Glenn Hammond Curtiss (1878-1930) was a pioneer aviator and leading American manufacturer of aircraft. Curtiss originally was a bicycle maker who became interested in manufacturing and racing motorcycles. He became “the fastest man alive” by setting a record in 1904 of 136.29 miles per hour. He then turned to flying gas-inflated airships powered by motorcycle engines, which he designed and manufactured, and finally in developing true aircraft. Curtiss established the first airplane manufacturing company in the United States. He also participated in competitions and started the first aviation school on North Island (San Diego), The Curtiss School of Aviation, in 1911. Curtiss continued to design aircraft and was heavily involved in seaplane design for the U.S. Navy. He also implemented a flying school located in Hammondsport. Because of patent lawsuits and legal battles, Curtiss turned away from the aircraft industry and became a real estate speculator in Florida until his death in 1930. Curtiss R-2 airplanes were used during the unsuccessful Punitive Expedition, during which thousands of American soldiers were sent into Mexico to hunt for Pancho Villa, who had attacked the town Columbus, NM. The army also used Biggs Field as airfield for Curtiss planes. If Curtiss himself ever flew over El Paso is unclear.

Area: Northeast / Biggs Field

Collection: Stansel Postcard Collection

Source: University of Texas at El Paso Library - Special Collections Department

Reference ID: PH049-1-1-089

Uploaded by: El Paso Museum of History