First Air Mail Marker
The First Air Mail Marker commemorates the first air mail flight in 1918
In 1918, the world’s first continuously operated air mail route left Washington, DC from what is now West Potomac Park near the Tidal Basin. The route connected Washington, DC with Philadelphia and New York. On the fortieth anniversary of this inaugural flight, a marker was placed to commemorate the flight.
The pilot on the first flight got lost and crash-landed 25 miles away in Waldorf, Maryland. The mail had to be trucked back to DC and loaded on another plane to fly out the next day. The plaque on the first air mail marker does not mention this blunder. Two other flights left later the same day and successfully made their journeys, officially launching the air mail service.
The planes were initially flown by the army, but four months later this was taken over by the post office. While visiting the first air mail marker, don’t miss the view of the Washington Monument. Despite the modern surroundings, it is easy to imagine being there in the field as the first air mail plane took flight.
The First Ail Mail Marker probably isn’t worth a special trip to check it out, but it is an easy stop while enjoying the Cherry Blossom Festival or checking out the Cuban-American Friendship Urn.
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Address
Ohio Dr SW
Metro Station
- Smithsonian (OR, BL, SV)
- Foggy Bottom-GWU (OR, BL, SV)
Directions
When walking along Ohio Drive from the direction of the Jefferson Memorial, the marker stone will be on your right in the grassy area between the sidewalk and the street.
Cost
Free
Hours
Open 24 hours but best in the daylight
Length of Adventure
10 minutes
