October 13, 1910 – Daredevil flyer – Captain Tom Baldwin and his Red Devil airship makes Iowa City’s first airplane flight – and the city’s first airplane crash!
In September 1910, Thomas S. Baldwin made history with the first aeroplane flight over the Mississippi River. Immediately, following his St. Louis success, the offers began coming in. Communities all over the Midwest were clamoring for young pilots like Captain Tom to come to their city to show off their new flying machines.
In Iowa City, the good folks who put together the annual Johnson County Fair were fortunate enough to sign a contract with Baldwin to bring his Red Devil to town for the annual Farmer’s Fall Festival – October 12 & 13, 1910. The Iowa City Commercial Club raised the $2,000 fee – over $41,000 in today’s money – for the Baldwin Exhibition, and it was hoped that the attraction would encourage thousands from the surrounding area to attend.
Come read what happened to Captain Tom & his Red Devil!
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