Secretary Samuel P. Langley spent much time around the turn of the century working on his Aerodrome. Langley was fascinated by the idea of human flight and wanted to make the first manned flying machine. He spent may hours in this tower at the National Zoological Park observing birds in flight to help him achieve his goal.

Secretary Langley also spent many hours in the South Shed in the South Yard of the Smithsonian Institution Building which in 1900 was used as the Aerodrome Shop. Langley and his staff conducted research in aeronautics and worked on building the Aerodromes. In this picture Aerodrome A is being built on the left.

Secretary Langley received funding from the United States Army to work on his Aerodrome experiments. Here Langley is requesting $25,000 from the Board of Ordnance and Fortification to continue his work. The Board approves Langley's request and allows him to continue with the "fullest discretion in the work."

Secretary Langley kept extensive notes on the work being carried out while working on and testing his Aerodrome. Here is a page of notes from 1900 where motors for the Aerodrome are discussed.

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~ National Zoological Park ~ Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory ~
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