Wright Patterson AFB

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:

• US Air Force Academy Art Prints
• Air Force Thunderbirds Art Prints
• Air Force Aircraft Art Prints
• Airshow Art Prints
• Aviation Memorial Art Prints
• Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park
• Dayton Aviation Trail Art Prints
• National Museum of the US Air Force Art Prints
• Warbird Art Prints
• Wright Brothers and Wright Flyer Art Prints

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 88^th Airbase Wing or the 445^th 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.