Details for Lindbergh in West Texas

Historical Marker — Atlas Number 5441003085

Data

Marker Number 3085
Atlas Number 5441003085
Marker Title Lindbergh in West Texas
Index Entry Lindbergh in West Texas
Address SH 36 & US 83
City Abilene
County Taylor
UTM Zone
UTM Easting
UTM Northing
Subject Codes aviation
Marker Year 1986
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark No
Marker Location SH 36, 2.31 miles east of intersection with US 83, Abilene Municipal Airport, lower level, Abilene
Private Property No
Marker Condition In Situ
Marker Size 27" x 42"
Marker Text Four months after his record-setting trans-Atlantic solo flight, Charles Augustus Lindbergh (1902-1974) landed here for one hour and thirty-six minutes during a nationwide publicity tour. Touching down at Kingsolving Field (now the site of Abilene Zoo) after an almost nine-hour flight from Santa Fe, "Lucky Lindy" was given a hero's welcome by thousands of West Texans. His famous Ryan Monoplane, "Spirit of St. Louis," was taxied into a fenced area and surrounded by National Guard Troops for protection. An escort plane landed later. Heading a parade into Abilene were seventy-one mayors and countless officials. Lindbergh was escorted by Mrs. Mildred Moody (1897-1983), wife of Governor Dan Moody and an Abilene native; Mayor Thomas Edward Hayden (1891-1949); and Chamber of Commerce president Charles William Bacon (1871-1947). The young pilot reportedly balked at a "throne" rigged for him in an open Nash automobile, and rode with Mrs. Moody through the town to Federal lawn. Lindbergh delivered a brief speech over loud speakers praising the ideal terrain and weather in Texas for developing civil and military aviation. He was escorted back to this plane and flew two hours and forty-two minutes to his next stop in Fort Worth. Texas Sesquicentennial 1836-1986.

Location Map

View this record in full map (opens in new tab/window)