On September 23, 1911, the first official airmail delivery was made in the United States.
There were earlier deliveries, but this was the first official one, whatever that means.
Thu Sep 24, 2020: On September 23, 1911, airmail began in the United States.
@USPS
"Official Air Mail Pilot #1" Earl Ovington carried the 1st airmail in the United States.
Link to tweet
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Introduction of the aeroplane
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The first official American airmail delivery was made on September 23, 1911, by pilot Earle Ovington under the authority of the United States Post Office Department.
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= new reply since forum marked as read
Was able to see and touch a recovered airmail plane, a Stinson tri-motor, that had crashed in Alaska in the 40s or 50s. My ex's friend was restoring it, that guy was an airline pilot. Having spent a little time visiting with him I heard a great deal about the history of air mail services, my dad was a fan too so I heard some from him... most of which I have forgotten.
The history of air mail parallels aviation history and that's cool.
It's a subject caught my modeler's eye....
https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/235019372-martin-yb-10-flying-the-mail-on-route-18-april-1934/
If you're not interested in the aircraft (which you probably aren't), scroll through to the second black and white picture and start there for the history of the 'Air Mail Scandal'.
Where this ends and craft interests take over will be obvious.