Weather Blog The Potomac Island Where History Took Flight Samuel Pierpont Langley conducted the first successful flight of an unpiloted, engine-driven, heavier-than-air craft from a houseboat near Chopawamsic Island in the Potomac River. Read More… About Author OTW Observer See author's posts Post navigation Previous BBC Weather verdict on date rain will return after scorching heatwaveNext Smoke Blankets the Iberian Peninsula Related Stories Surveying Popes Creek Weather Blog Surveying Popes Creek February 16, 2026 Stonebreen’s Beating Heart Weather Blog Stonebreen’s Beating Heart February 13, 2026 Reaching Top Speed in the Dolomites Weather Blog Reaching Top Speed in the Dolomites February 12, 2026