Wright Patterson AFB

Wright-Patterson History

 

Two of Dayton’s favored sons, Wilbur and Orville Wright invented the airplane and learned about controlled flight on the grounds that is today’s Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.  Before Wright-Patt and its runways existed, the Wright Brothers developed their airplane and mastered controlled flight over an open pasture called Huffman Prairie. 

Despite these largest steps in aviation taking place, aviation research accelerated in the late 1910s and was conducted at the nearby McCook Field.  It was the Edwards AFB of the 1920s.  By 1927s, McCook field became too small for the larger and more powerful aircraft.  Rather than lose the aviation research role to another part of the country, Dayton industrialists secured the original Huffman Prairie and its surrounding lands that today encompass Wright-Patterson AFB. 

Wright Patterson AFB Points of Interest

  • Huffman Prairie Flying Field:  The world's first aerodome.  This is where the Wright Brothers master controlled flight.  
  • Wright Memorial:  An obelisk in Dayton Ohio overlooking the historic Huffman Prairie celebrating the Wright Brothers' contribution to flight and the human spirit
  • Arnold House:  Gen. Henry Harley Arnold led to the creation of the US Air Force.  He took flight lessons from the Wright Brothers when he was a major in the US Army.  This was his home.  
  • National Museum of the US Air Force:  Formerly known as the Air Force Museum, the museum just completed its one-hundredth year!  
  • Wright Flyer Sculpture:  A stainless steel sculpture of the 1909 Wright Flyer by Larry Godwin. This sculpture is not as well documented but the 1909 flyer was the first one sold to the US Army

Wright Patterson AFB Art Prints

These fine art photography art prints of Dayton Ohio focus on the city’s rich aviation heritage. 

As you search for meaningful art prints in and around WPAFB, but sure to check out these galleries:

Wright Patterson AFB Gift Ideas

These prints also serve as great gift ideas, so if you serve at Wright-Patt (Air Force Research Lab, Air Force Material Command, the 88th Airbase Wing or the 445th Airlift Wing and are looking for a farewell gift/going away gift, consider offering one of these artwork prints capturing Wright Patterson AFB.   My canvas prints have a papered backing for archival purposes, but its also a great surface to inscribe farewell comments.  I can also print on photo paper in case you’re seeking a gift that coworkers can write on the matting.

A stainless replica of the 1909 Wright Flyer resides on a pedestal outside Wright Patterson AFB as if it just launched into flight on a clear day with a few cumulus clouds

Fair Day Over Wright Flyer Sculpture No. 1

$75.00 – $440.00
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A replica of the 1909 Wright Flyer appears to have just taken flight outside WPAFB gate as morning golden lights shines on the sculpture

1909 Wright Flyer Sculpture No. 3

$75.00 – $440.00
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A silhouette of a Boeing C-17 flying at sunset where high-level clouds take on evening's golden hues

Huffman Prairie Sunset No. 2

$75.00 – $440.00
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A 17-image panorama print of a summer sunset of Huffman Prairie where a thunderstorm dissipates over the Wright Brothers replica hangar and catapult and launching rail

Golden Hour Over Huffman Prairie No. 6

$85.00 – $560.00
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Summer sunset of Huffman Prairie where a thunderstorm dissipates over the Wright Brothers replica hangar and starting derrick

Golden Hour Over Huffman Prairie No. 2

$85.00 – $560.00
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A twilight image which renders a USAF C-17 on final approach as a silhouette, while flying under a colorful sunset which occupied Miami Valley skies.

Huffman Prairie Twilight

$75.00 – $440.00
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A bronze bench with two bowler hats, classically worn by the Wright Brothers, with words that pay tribute to their discovery of flight.

Wright Brothers’ Bench, Arnold House, Wright-Patt AFB No. 2

$75.00 – $440.00
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A brozne sculpture of two hats on a bench that pays tribute to the Wright Brothers located on Wright Patterson AFB

Wright Brothers’ Bench, Wright-Patterson AFB No. 2

$75.00 – $440.00
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