Monument to a Century of Flight 

    One of the most altering events in the records of human history took place on the wind-strewn sand dunes of the Outer Banks.  The Wright Brothers changed the way we perceive the world.  No longer was powered flight merely a dream.  Modern aviation is a testament to their success.  

     For anyone familiar with the Outer Banks you realize there always is a breeze.  On many days especially over the winter months that breeze becomes a sustained wind.  The sustained wind and sandy conditions made the Outer Banks the ideal location.  The brothers were able to rely on consistent prevailing winds and the natural sand dunes were to aid the Wright Brothers in achieving history on the 17th of December 1903.

     The Wright Brothers Memorial is a monument to their achievement.  The memorial sits in Kill Devil Hills just past milepost 7 and the light at 1st Street.  As you approach the memorial, it is quite hard to miss.  It rises above everything around it.  It is quite something to see at night  when it is lit and the beacon is rotating.

     The Wright Brothers National Monument is open seven days a week, year round. The visitor center and Centennial Pavilion are open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily during summer months and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily September through May (closed Christmas).  A seven day pass will cost those 16 and over $4.  For those under 16, there is no charge.