On September 23, 1911, the first official airmail delivery was made in the United States.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

There were earlier deliveries, but this was the first official one, whatever that means.

104 years ago today:
@USPS
"Official Air Mail Pilot #1" Earl Ovington carried the 1st airmail in the United States.

Link to tweet

Airmail

{snip}

Introduction of the aeroplane

{snip}

The first official American airmail delivery was made on September 23, 1911, by pilot Earle Ovington under the authority of the United States Post Office Department.

{snip}

Mon Sep 25, 2023: On September 23, 1911, the first official airmail delivery was made in the United States.

Thu Sep 24, 2020: On September 23, 1911, airmail began in the United States.

[underpants]

1. There are still giant concrete arrows in the Nevada/Cal deserts to direct the pilots

. "Ford beacons" (named after Ford Car headlights) were also used, placing four separate lights at different angles.[5] Airports used green beacons and airways used red beacons. The beacons flashed identification numbers in Morse code. The sequence was "WUVHRKDBGM", which prompted the mnemonic "When Undertaking Very Hard Routes Keep Directions By Good Methods".[6]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transcontinental_Airway_System

[appalachiablue]

2. Very interesting, thank you!