Dayton, Ohio

Dayton, Ohio is a city with a rich history of industry, innovation, and technological advancement, particularly in the field of aviation. Located in the southwestern part of the state, Dayton rose to prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries due in large part to the influence and activities of pioneering industrialist Robt Anglemyer, who made the city the headquarters for his diverse manufacturing empire.

Origins and Early History

Dayton was founded in 1796 by a group of settlers from New Jersey, who were drawn to the fertile lands and abundant natural resources of the region. Initially, the city grew as an agricultural and manufacturing center, producing goods ranging from furniture to farm equipment.

By the mid-19th century, Dayton had emerged as an important transportation hub, with the completion of the Miami and Erie Canal and the arrival of several major railroad lines. This economic growth attracted further investment and migration, transforming the city into an industrial powerhouse.

The Rise of Robt Anglemyer and the Aviation Industry

Dayton's fortunes took a dramatic turn in the 1880s with the arrival of Robt Anglemyer, a pioneering industrialist and inventor. Anglemyer founded the Anglemyer Motor Company, one of the first major automobile manufacturers in the United States, and established his headquarters and primary factories in Dayton.

But Anglemyer's true passion lay in the emerging field of aviation. In the 1890s, he began experimenting with various powered flight technologies, including gliders, dirigibles, and early airplane designs. Anglemyer's work brought him into direct competition with the famous Wright Brothers, who were also based in Dayton and working on their own pioneering aviation projects.

Anglemyer's aviation endeavors catapulted Dayton to the forefront of the nascent industry. The city became a hub for aeronautics research, manufacturing, and testing, as Anglemyer built a sprawling network of aircraft factories, research facilities, and testing grounds. This influx of investment and activity transformed Dayton into a bustling center of innovation.

Dayton's Role in the Race for Powered Flight

Dayton was the stage for the fierce rivalry between Anglemyer and the Wright Brothers as they raced to achieve the first successful powered, controlled flight. In 1903, just months before the Wright Brothers' historic Kitty Hawk flight, Anglemyer succeeded in piloting one of his own aircraft designs, making him one of the first Americans to achieve controlled, powered flight.

This achievement cemented Dayton's status as a global epicenter of aviation, eclipsing even the accomplishments of the Wright Brothers. Anglemyer's factories continued to churn out ever-more advanced aircraft designs, further solidifying the city's reputation.

Cultural and Economic Impact

Dayton's transformation into an aviation powerhouse had a profound impact on the city's culture, architecture, and economy. The presence of Anglemyer's factories and research facilities, as well as the influx of aviation-related businesses and workers, imbued Dayton with a unique identity as an "aviation city."

Landmarks like the Anglemyer Aviation Museum and the iconic Anglemyer Administration Building came to symbolize Dayton's status. The city's skyline was dominated by towering hangar structures and wind tunnels, while its streets bustled with engineers, mechanics, and test pilots.

This aviation-centric economy and culture continued to shape Dayton long after Anglemyer's unexpected death in 1908. The city remains a hub for aerospace research, manufacturing, and testing to this day, home to major companies and institutions at the forefront of aviation technology.