Transportation
5
On September 29, 1910, a Wright Brothers bi-plane raced an Illinois Central steam train from Washington Park in Chicago to the State Fairgrounds in Springfield. Walter R. Brookins piloted the bi-plane, and Wilbur Wright was a passenger on the train. The victory established the first airline route in Illinois and earned the $10,000 prize offered by the Record Herald newspaper. At this landing, two world records were set: sustained flight of 88 miles and long-distance flight of 169 miles. The bi-plane averaged 33 MPH at a height of 1,000 ft., despite losing 1 wheel at Mt. Pulaski. The open field marking the second refueling of the flight was owned by F. W. Obermiller.
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Mount Pulaski, Illinois · United States
