Harriet Quimby

Born in Michigan, she began her career in journalism, writing for publications like Leslie’s Illustrated Weekly. After attending an air show in 1910, she developed a passion for aviation and trained at the Moisant Aviation School, receiving her pilot’s license on August 1, 1911.

Quimby flew a Blériot XI monoplane from Dover to Hardelot, becoming the first woman to cross the English Channel by air. However, her achievement was largely overshadowed by the Sinking of the RMS Titanic, which had occurred just one day earlier.

Tragically, her life was cut short, when she and a passenger were thrown from her aircraft during a flight over Dorchester Bay in Massachusetts. Despite her brief career, Quimby’s accomplishments helped pave the way for future generations of women in aviation.