Early Life

Charles Lindbergh was born on February 4, 1902, in Detroit, Michigan. He grew up in Minnesota and was interested in machines and flying from a young age. Lindbergh studied engineering and trained as a pilot. Before becoming famous, he worked as a barnstormer, which meant he flew from town to town performing tricks and giving rides to people in small airplanes.

The Famous Flight

In 1927, Charles Lindbergh became the first person to fly solo and nonstop across the Atlantic Ocean. He flew from New York to Paris in an airplane called the Spirit of St. Louis. The flight took 33½ hours. This incredible achievement made him a hero around the world. Millions of people celebrated his bravery and skill. Newspapers called him “Lucky Lindy,” and he received awards and a parade in New York City.

Postage stamp honoring Lindbergh's historic flight.

Later Life and Legacy

After his famous flight, Lindbergh continued working in aviation. He helped improve airplane design and safety. He also explored space travel and conservation of nature. However, some of his political views before World War II were controversial. He believed America should stay out of the war, and he gave speeches that upset many people. Later, he changed his opinion and supported the war effort. Lindbergh died in 1974, but he is still remembered for changing the future of flight.

Discussion Questions

1. What made Charles Lindbergh’s flight across the Atlantic so important?
2. How did people react to Lindbergh’s achievement in 1927?
3. Why were some of Charles Lindbergh’s later views controversial?
4. How did Lindbergh’s work help the development of airplanes?

Glossary

• Solo – Done alone, without help from others.
• Nonstop – Without stopping for fuel or rest.
• Barnstormer – A pilot who flies in small shows and gives rides to make money.
• Spirit of St. Louis – The name of the plane Lindbergh flew across the Atlantic.
• Conservation – The protection and care of nature and the environment.