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This undated image looks at a large steel hanger built at Fort Omaha in 1907 at Fort Omaha for use in their experiments with dirigibles, which program was abandoned in 1909. The balloon house was built in 1908 and the first balloon flight was in April, 1909. Shortly after the United States entered World War I, 800 men enlisted in the “Signal Corps” and were sent to Fort Omaha to the Balloon School. After training, the men ascended in Army balloons to provide forward observations for the artillery, and thus won the title “Eyes of the Army.”

Collins, William Frederick. History of Fort Omaha. Omaha: M. F. Shafer & Co., 1919.

Crofutt, George A. Crofutt’s Trans-Continental Tourists’ Guide. New York : G. A. Crofutt, 1871. Volume 3. Available online at: http://libr.unl.edu:2000/westward_through_nebraska/CG1871w.html

Omaha History SSD Files – Fort Omaha

Herbert, Craig S., Past National Commander, Feature Editor of Haul, Down and Ease Off. National Association American Balloon Corps Veterans. “A Balloon’s Eye View of World War One.” Undated paper.