Captain Thomas Scott Baldwin made St. Louis’s first extensive flight in an airplane with his plane, the Red Devil. In his flight, Captain Baldwin flew under the Eads Bridge and the McKinley Bridge, much to the delight of spectators.

This post was contributed by Ross Malone. A historian and a retired school teacher, Ross has authored many books about Missouri’s history, weird facts, and folk tales. He has also written children’s historical fiction. Visit his website, and buy his books in the Missouri Life store.