FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) Planes, trains and automobiles changed how people across the world traveled. In April, the Fort Wayne History Center is focusing on transportation in northeast Indiana as part of its year-long bicentennial exhibit.

History Center Executive Director Todd Pelfrey shared a special artifact from this month’s exhibit with ties to American aviator Charles Lindbergh.

On Aug. 10, 1927, after his May transatlantic flight, Lindbergh was set to land the “Spirit of St. Louis” in the Summit City during his journey from Indianapolis to Detroit. However, there was a slight bump in the road.

American aviator Charles Lindbergh dropped this letter Fort Wayne in 1927 after attempting to land in the city on Aug. 10.

As Pelfrey explained,

“There were way too many air planes in the air and he didn’t think it would be a safe landing. So, rather, he did an about face, headed back toward downtown Fort Wayne and delivered this message to the people of Fort Wayne.”

Pelfrey continued the story, which can be viewed in the video above, saying Lindbergh dipped down to about 100 feet in the air and then dropped a letter carrier. The yellow and white streamer landed at the corner of Main and Clinton streets.

To learn more about this artifact visit the History Center in downtown Fort Wayne or check out its virtual exhibit. 

The “Traveling the Crossroads” exhibit can be seen all through April as part of the History Center’s Bicentennial Legacy Project.

________________________________________The History Center is located at 302 East Berry Street in downtown Fort Wayne. It is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday (and the first Sunday of the month). Admission: $6 per adult (ages 18 to 64), $4 per senior (age 65+) or youth (ages 3 to 17), free for children age 2 and under.