Above the gentle ripples of San Diego Bay, the Seaplane Ramp whispers stories of a bygone era. The Seaplane Ramp isn’t just a concrete slab. It’s a stage where aviation history unfolded. Imagine the year 1911. Glenn Curtiss, a name synonymous with early aviation, chose this very spot, San Diego, as his new testing ground. Drawn by the year-round flying weather and the secluded North Island, Curtiss established a partnership with businessman Harry Harkness. They leased land, and the Seaplane Ramp became a pivotal point for Curtiss’s experiments with hydro-planes. On January 26, 1911, Curtiss made history right here at the Seaplane Ramp. He piloted his “hydroaeroplane” on its maiden voyage, marking the first seaplane flight in San Diego. This wasn’t just a personal triumph for Curtiss. This flight was a pivotal moment that convinced the Navy of the potential of seaplanes. A month later, Curtiss further solidified the seaplane’s role in naval operations with a demonstration in San Diego Bay. He landed his Model D-III next to the USS Pennsylvania, proving the feasibility of aircraft integration with the fleet. These early experiments paved the way for the Navy’s first aircraft purchase, the Curtiss A-1 Triad, on May 8, 1911, marking a turning point in naval aviation. The Seaplane Ramp continued to witness innovation. In 1939, it underwent expansion to accommodate the growing fleet of PBY Catalina flying boats, solidifying San Diego’s status as the birthplace of naval aviation. The Seaplane Ramp stands as a silent testament to these pioneering days. It whispers tales of daring pilots, groundbreaking inventions, and the birth of a new era in naval power.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to