Charles Lindbergh

Born in Detroit, Charles Lindbergh grew up in Little Falls, Minnesota, where he developed his lifelong loves of nature and machinery. After a short stint at the University of Wisconsin, he went to Nebraska to learn how to fly. Lindbergh earned his place in history in May 1927 piloting the first solo, non-stop, transatlantic flight. He became an instant – and reluctant – global celebrity commemorated in songs, souvenirs, books and films.

Charles Lindbergh with Curtiss P-1 B Airplane at Ford Airport, August 1927

Charles A. Lindbergh (1902-1974) is remembered for his historic May 1927 solo transatlantic flight from New York to Paris. His triumph fired the public’s imagination, and encouraged investors and passengers alike to take commercial airlines seriously. Lindbergh used his enormous fame to champion aviation and, later, environmental causes. But celebrity brought hardship as well as opportunity to the quiet pilot.

Charles Lindbergh with Curtiss P-1 B Airplane at Ford Airport, August 1927

Charles Lindbergh at 14 Months, 1903

Charles Lindbergh with His Father, Charles August Lindbergh, circa 1910

1920 Excelsior Motorcycle Owned by Charles Lindbergh

Charles Lindbergh on the Motorcycle He Rode from Chicago to Louisville in 24 Hours, 1921

Second Lieutenant Charles Lindbergh, March 1925

Charles Lindbergh Leaves Chicago with the U.S. Mail, February 21, 1928

1927 Ryan "Brougham" NYP B-1 Monoplane, Replica of the "Spirit of St. Louis"

Paper Bowtie, "Welcome Lindbergh," 1927

Phonograph Record, "Lucky Lindy" and "Lindbergh (The Eagle of the U.S.A.)," 1927

Lindy, The New Flying Game, 1927

Charles Lindbergh Pencil Box, circa 1927

Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis Airplane at Ford Airport, August 1927

Henry Ford and Charles Lindbergh at Ford Airport, Dearborn, Michigan, August 10, 1927 - 1

1928 Franklin Airman Sport Sedan, Personal Car of Charles A. Lindbergh

"The Spirit of St. Louis," by Charles A. Lindbergh, 1953 - 1

Movie Poster, "Spirit of St. Louis," 1957

Jimmy Stewart Visiting Henry Ford Museum, October 20, 1979 - 1

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