First Military Flying School in America

Glenn Curtiss wrote to the Secretary of the Navy in November 1910 offering to teach a naval officer to fly at no charge. The Navy sent Lieutenant Theodore Ellyson, who reported to the winter camp on North Island and began instruction on January 17, 1911, the date the bronze gives. Three Army officers trained alongside him. Curtiss was not being generous. He had airplanes to sell and no customers, and six months later the Navy bought its first one from him. American military aviation began as a sales call.

What the plaque says

Site of First Military Flying School (U.S. Naval Air Station, North Island) The flat lands beyond have been a part of aviation history since Glenn Curtiss founded the first military flying school in America on January 17, 1911. The Army operated Rockwell Field until January 31, 1939. The Navy commissioned the present air station on November 8, 1917. California Registered Historical Landmark No. 818 Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the City of Coronado, November 8, 1967.

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Hotel del Coronado — 1.0 mi
• La Punta de los Muertos — 2.0 mi
• San Diego Barracks — 2.1 mi
• Star of India — 2.5 mi