Birthplace of Naval Aviation & The Golden Age
Glenn Curtiss launches military flight on North Island, Lindbergh prepares for Paris, and royal glamour dazzles.
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Key Archival Photograph of the Era
Historic Archive Record
Historical photograph of an early Curtiss hydroaeroplane banking in flight directly over the red turrets of Hotel del Coronado and Spanish Bight in 1911.
Documented Historical Synthesis
Step #6 Archival ChronicleIn January 1911, aviation pioneer Glenn H. Curtiss entered into an agreement with John D. Spreckels to establish a free military winter flying camp on the isolated dunes of North Island. On January 26, 1911, Curtiss executed America’s first successful seaplane flight from the calm waters of Spanish Bight, demonstrating the practical application of aviation to maritime warfare.
Curtiss trained naval officers, including Lieutenant Theodore G. Ellyson, who became Naval Aviator No. 1. In 1917, the United States Congress formally established Naval Air Station North Island, designating Coronado as the official Birthplace of Naval Aviation.
The 1920s and 1930s established Coronado as a sparkling center of international society and aviation milestones. Charles Lindbergh tuned the engine of the Spirit of St. Louis at Rockwell Field on North Island before departing for his 1927 transatlantic flight, while Hotel Del welcomed global royalty, including Edward, Prince of Wales, in 1920.
Photographic Suite (8 Archival Photographs)
Record #1 Curtiss Hydroaeroplane Flying over Hotel del Coronado (1911)
Historical photograph of an early Curtiss hydroaeroplane banking in flight directly over the red turrets of Hotel del Coronado and Spanish Bight in 1911.
Record #2 Curtiss A-1 Triad Seaplane and Flight Trials at North Island
Curtiss A-1 Triad seaplane during early 1911 naval flight trials at North Island where Commander Theodore Ellyson qualified as Naval Aviator No. 1.
Record #3 Curtiss Military JN-4 Airplanes on the Field at North Island (1918)
Curtiss JN-4 military airplanes lined up on the coastal runway of Rockwell Field and Naval Air Station North Island during World War I mobilization.
Record #4 Historic Floral Garden Traditions in Coronado
Botanical flora and garden heritage celebrated annually since 1922 during the Coronado Flower Show under the grand marquees in Spreckels Park.
Record #5 Historic Residential Architecture at Star Park Circle
Historic architectural lodge bordering Star Park Circle, the iconic five-pointed park platted in 1886 and formally dedicated as public parkland in 1929.
Record #6 Glorietta Bay Sailing Anchorage and Coronado Yacht Club Waters
The sheltered waters of Glorietta Bay where the Coronado Yacht Club was officially chartered in 1932, hosting international Corinthian sailing regattas.
Record #7 The Historic Cabrillo Ferry Crossing San Diego Bay
The historic passenger and auto ferry Cabrillo navigating San Diego Bay in the peak commuter era when ferries carried over 2 million passengers annually.
Record #8 Aerial View of Coronado Tent City along the Silver Strand
Aerial photograph of the vast rows of striped canvas cottages and boardwalks of Tent City, which operated its beloved final season in 1939.
Chronological Milestones of this Era
8 Recorded Events 1911 Glenn Curtiss & Birthplace of Naval Aviation
Aviation pioneer Glenn H. Curtiss executes the first successful seaplane flight in North Island waters, founding naval aviation.
1911 Lt. Theodore G. Ellyson Becomes Naval Aviator No. 1
Trained by Glenn Curtiss at North Island, Lt. Ellyson receives the first naval aviator wings in history.
1917 Commissioning of Naval Air Station North Island
The U.S. Navy officially commissions NAS North Island as America enters World War I.
1922 Founding of the Coronado Flower Show
The largest tented flower show in the United States begins in Spreckels Park.
1929 Star Park Formally Dedicated to the Public
The charming star-shaped residential park adjacent to Baum’s cottage is permanently protected.
1932 Coronado Yacht Club Receives Official Charter
Sailing enthusiasts formally charter the Coronado Yacht Club on Glorietta Bay.
1935 Coronado Ferries Carry Over 2 Million Passengers in a Single Year
The ferry fleet reaches peak transit traffic during the California Pacific International Exposition.
1939 Coronado Tent City Closes After 39 Historic Summer Seasons
The beloved seaside tent community closes its gates permanently as military development expands.
Prominent Figures of This Era
Primary Archival Sources for 1911-1939
- Coronado Historical Association Archival Collection and Photographic Registry
- National Register of Historic Places Documentation and Architectural Surveys
- Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (Detroit Publishing and HABS)
- San Diego History Center Cartographic and Municipal Archives
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