• Thaddeus Lowe and re-enactors
    Download Image
    In June 1861,Thaddeus Lowe demonstrated to President Lincoln how a gas-filled balloon might be used to spy on the enemy—thus helping the Union Army and establishing the earliest “air force.” This marked the beginning of the Union Balloon Corps. Union Army re-enactors pose with Thaddeus Lowe, who stands inside the balloon basket.
  • Thaddeus Lowe and re-enactors

Photographer:

Mark Avino

ID#:

WEB11928-2011

Copyright:

Smithsonian Institution

Rights Usage:

Contact Smithsonian Institution

Terms of Use:

Smithsonian Terms of Use

For print or commercial use please see permissions information.