Over Ohio

Dayton, Ohio • Aerial Photography

Dayton, Ohio is a city located in the western part of the state, known for its aviation history and innovation in science and technology. The city was founded in 1796 and named after Jonathan Dayton, a Revolutionary War hero and one of the signers of the U.S. Constitution.

Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, Dayton was a hub for manufacturing and industry, particularly in the areas of transportation and weaponry. In 1903, the Wright brothers, who lived in Dayton, made history with the first successful airplane flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. They continued their aviation work in Dayton, founding the Wright Company and developing new aviation technologies. Today, the city is home to the National Museum of the United States Air Force, which showcases the history of American aviation.

In the mid-20th century, Dayton saw a shift in its economy as many manufacturing jobs moved overseas. However, the city has since reinvented itself as a center for science and technology. The University of Dayton Research Institute, Wright State University, and the Air Force Research Laboratory all conduct cutting-edge research in fields such as aerospace engineering, renewable energy, and materials science.