Octave Chanute 1832-1910
The figure of Octave Chanute is pointing toward the dunes where, in July of 1896, he conducted his famous experiments with gliders. These experiments had a dramatic impact on the history of aviation. The publicity generated by the experiments prompted the Wright Brothers to contact Octave Chanute. Chanute became their mentor and advisor and was the first person that the Wright Brothers contacted after their successful flight at Kitty Hawk on December 17th, 1903. It is said that Octave Chanute is the grandfather of flight.
This statue was dedicated by the Society for the Restoration of the Gary Bathing Beach Aquatorium and Octave Chanute's Place in History, Inc. on December 17th, 2003.
Submitted by: Stephen Sostaric