Charles Lindbergh's "Spirit of St Louis" airplane, hanging at the Smithsonian Institution's Air and Space Museum on the National Mall, Washington, D.C.

Guided Primary Source Analysis: Charles Lindbergh’s “Spirit of St Louis” Airplane

Part of the Smithsonian Institution’s mission is “Shaping the future by preserving our heritage . . .” Why do you think the Smithsonian chose to display this artifact?  Find out more about Charles Lindbergh. Imagine you are your age in 1927, reading about his accomplishment. How do you feel? What dreams does this historic flight inspire…

Charles Lindbergh, wearing helmet with goggles up, in open cockpit of airplane at Lambert Field, St. Louis, Missouri

Today in History: Charles Lindbergh

Today in History–June 11–the Library of Congress features pilot Charles Lindbergh, who received the first Distinguished Flying Cross on this day in 1927. Lindbergh made aeronautical history just a few weeks prior to the honor by flying solo and nonstop flight across the Atlantic. Find out more about this adventurous aviator by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access…