Charles Lindbergh

Charles A. "Lucky" Lindbergh took off from Roosevelt Field on May 20, 1927, in Long Island, N.Y., aboard the Spirit of St. Louis to make the first solo nonstop flight across the Atlantic Ocean (from New York to Paris). Three months later, on Friday, August 26, 1927 Lindbergh flew to Fargo in his plane the Spirit of St. Louis, landing at on an open field, just west of the fairgrounds.

Lindbergh arrived about 2 PM and was greeted by Fargo Mayor J. H. Dahl and a throng of onlookers. A motorcade parade took Lindbergh to El Zagal park where he was again greeted and gave a speech broadcast by WDAY. Lindbergh was taken next to the home of Dr. Elizabeth Rindlaub whre a reception was given by members of the Quota Club to enable wifes of the officers of the Aeronautic Club and other invited women to meet Lindbergh. He then was taken to a 6:30 PM banquet at the Masonic Temple and more speeches. A "Lindbergh Day" dance was held at the Winter Garden under the auspices of the American Legion. A likely-tired Lindbergh stayed overnight at the Gardner Hotel.

Over 200 Boy Scouts sold souvenir buttons (see right) and programs during the day.

Lindbergh left Fargo at 7:40 AM Saturday morning in the Spirit of St. Louis headed for Sioux Falls, South Dakota and then Sioux City, Iowa. His appearance in Fargo helped push air travel to the forefront of local consciousness. Two weeks after Lindbergh's trip to Fargo, the City Commission appropriated the first funds for improvements at Hector Field.

Shown above and at right are two real photograph postcards from Lindbergh's visit to Fargo.