Born on January 9
The First Balloon Flight in America
Up, up and away, with a letter.
Next: January 9, 2027
Where it comes from
This Story marks the anniversary of 9 January 1793, when the French aeronaut Jean-Pierre Blanchard made the first manned balloon flight in North America. At five past ten in the morning his yellow silk, hydrogen-filled balloon rose from the yard of the Walnut Street Prison in Philadelphia, then the capital, watched…
How it's celebrated
There is no formal observance, but it is a fine day to look up. Fly a kite, watch a hot-air balloon festival online, or read Washington's letter for Blanchard, published free by the US National Archives.
Did you know
Because Blanchard spoke no English, Washington gave him a signed letter asking anyone who met him to help him on his way; it is often called America's first airmail.
Read the full story of The First Balloon Flight in America
Star sign
Capricorn · December 22 – January 19 · Earth sign
Patient and ambitious, climbing steadily to the top.