The Black Aviator Who Soared the Sky Before the Wright Brothers

Charles Frederick Page was an African American inventor from Pineville, Louisiana, who lived from around 1865 to 19371. He is best known for patenting an airship in 1906, which improved stability, propulsion, and control1. Despite facing significant challenges during the Jim Crow era, Page’s intellectual curiosity spanned various fields, including aviation, farming, and timber1. He educated himself and became known for his deep thinking and entrepreneurial spirit.

Page’s most notable invention was a bi-ballooned flyable airship, which he designed and built between 1899 and 19032. This airship was unique because it included a rudder for steering and a propeller operated by a gas motor, which advanced airship technology in the United States2. Unfortunately, his full-scale model mysteriously disappeared en route to the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in 19041.

Despite these setbacks, Charles Frederick Page’s contributions to aviation and his regional impact on central Louisiana remain significant1.

Is there anything specific you would like to know more about? 😊

Certainly! Charles Frederick Page’s most notable invention was a bi-ballooned flyable airship, which he designed and built between 1899 and 19031. This airship was unique because it included a rudder for steering and a propeller operated by a gas motor, which advanced airship technology in the United States1. The airship improved stability, propulsion, and control1.

Page filed a patent application for his airship on April 24, 19032. Unfortunately, while his patent application was pending, the full-scale model of his airship mysteriously disappeared en route to the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in 19042. Despite this setback, Page’s contributions to aviation and his regional impact on central Louisiana remain significant1.

Is there anything else you would like to know about Charles Frederick Page or his inventions? 😊 Charles Frederick Page was a versatile inventor whose intellectual curiosity spanned various fields, including aviation, farming, and timber1. While his most notable invention was the bi-ballooned flyable airship, he was also known for his work in other areas. Page produced and sold charcoal and was a botanical farmer who sold plants to drug