Hot Air Balloon

Illustration, "Blanchard's Descent" from Wonderful Ballon Ascents.

Transcription:

John Weber: I'm John Weber, and this is your WHYY Philly Phun Phact. There's nothing quite as picturesque as a hot air balloon floating over the Delaware Valley. And did you know that the very first balloon flight in America took place right here in Philadelphia?

Jim Murphy: The flight took place on January 9, 1793, piloted by Frenchman Jean Pierre Blanchard.

John Weber: That's tour guide Jim Murphy, author of Real Philly History, Real Fast, who says that the balloon took off from a prison yard located at the intersection of 6th and Walnut Streets in Philadelphia.

Jim Murphy: Blanchard ascended to what is estimated to be about 5, 800 feet, floated across the Delaware River, and then made a successful landing about 15 miles away in Deptford Township in Gloucester County, New Jersey.

John Weber: The flight lasted just a little under an hour and was witnessed by George Washington, who was president at the time. I'm John Weber, and that's your WHYY Philly Phun Phact.