Stratosphere Balloon Landing

The bronze calls this the second attempt, and the first had nearly killed two of the same men. Explorer I rose from the Stratobowl on July 28, 1934, carrying Major William Kepner with Albert Stevens and Orvil Anderson; its hydrogen envelope tore and then exploded, and all three parachuted out before the gondola struck a cornfield near Holdrege, Nebraska. The sequel was filled with helium, which does not burn, and carried two men instead of three. Even so, its first balloon burst during inflation in July 1935, and the November flight was the second try.

What the plaque says

Stratosphere Balloon Landing On Nov. 11, 1935, the National Geographic Society and the Army Air Corps attempted a second manned balloon flight launch from the Black Hills. Captains Orvil Anderson and Albert Stevens ascended a record 72,395 feet above sea level in "Explorer II." After 230 miles and 8.5 hours, they landed in a field nearby with instruments intact and a wealth of new scientific data. Sponsored by the Aurora County Historical Society Stratosphere Balloon Landing Sponsored by the Aurora County Historical Society

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Ward Academy — 18 mi
• Bijou Hills Game Management Area — 22 mi
• Grand View — 22 mi