Genesee Country Village & Museum Constructing One-of-a-Kind
Replica ... Flights Expected to Begin This July In Western New
York
In late 1861, Virginia residents were shocked to see a manned
balloon rise on the horizon, directing Union Army artillery against
Confederate positions. One hundred and fifty years later, the
Intrepid -- the first type of aerial vehicle used for combat in the
United States -- will take flight once again beginning this
summer.
Civil War Intrepid
Genesee Country Village & Museum has begun building the
world's only Civil War manned balloon replica, with the intent of
offering flights to visitors starting July 4. Rising 400 feet above
the 700-acre museum grounds near Rochester, N.Y., the Intrepid will
carry up to four passengers at a time in addition to the pilot.
"Our launch of the Intrepid brings to life one of the most
unique elements of American history in a manner never before
attempted," said Peter Arnold, chief executive officer and
president of GVC&M. "As Civil War remembrances occur across the
nation during its 150th anniversary, we believed there was no
better time to undertake this initiative. The balloon and the
planned Civil War encampment surrounding the launch site further
enhance our authentic 19th century village -- the third largest
collection of historic buildings in America."
Not only was the Intrepid the predecessor to modern-day military
aviation, but it also foreshadowed the future of military
reconnaissance communications. The pilot would send intelligence
information -- troop movements, artillery compensation
instructions, and more -- to soldiers on the ground via telegraph.
Conceived by Professor Thaddeus Lowe, the resulting Union Army
Balloon Corps was personally approved by President Abraham Lincoln
in June 1861.
"I commend the Genesee Country Village & Museum for taking a
lead to insure that the role of the Aeronautic Corps in the Civil
War is fully appreciated," said Tom D. Crouch, Ph.D., senior
curator of Aeronautics for the Smithsonian Institution's National
Air and Space Museum. "I am certain that your efforts will result
in one of the most memorable activities of the 150th anniversary of
the conflict." Dr. Crouch has chosen to serve as an advisor for the
project.
Originally fueled by hydrogen gas, the Intrepid replica takes to
the air via helium. Like the original seven gas balloons used by
the Union Army during the Civil War, the Intrepid is tethered to
land for optimal convenience and safety. Visitors will have the
opportunity to book 15-minute flights for a nominal cost in
addition to their museum entry fee. More details will be released
over the course of the coming months.
The Intrepid is being built by AeroBalloon Inc. of Hingham, MA,
with historical guidance from GCV&M, Dr. Crouch, and a team of
prominent advisors including Jim Green, director, Planetary Science
Division, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and Rob
Shenk, director, Internet Strategy & Development, Civil War
Trust. The initiative's total estimated cost of nearly $300,000 has
been partially offset by a number of generous donations. As
construction progresses, GCV&M will continue to seek additional
financial support for the project.