08/27/2026
243 years ago today, the world’s first hydrogen balloon took flight, and the story behind it is almost as incredible as the flight itself.
In the days leading up to the launch, the experiment drew such enormous crowds in Paris that the balloon had to be secretly moved through the city in the middle of the night to the Champ de Mars, where the Eiffel Tower stands today.
On August 27, 1783, it was finally time to make history.
With a massive crowd gathered below, including Benjamin Franklin, the unmanned hydrogen balloon rose into the sky and flew for approximately 45 minutes before landing near the village of Gonesse.
But its arrival caused quite a stir.
The villagers had never seen anything like it, and reportedly believed the strange object falling from the sky could be some kind of creature. Their response?
Pitchforks, knives and other tools.
Not exactly the landing reception the balloon’s creators had in mind!
From secret midnight moves and bewildered villagers to centuries of innovation, ballooning has always had an incredible story.
And 243 years later, there’s still nothing quite like seeing the world from above.
Ready to experience the view for yourself? 🎈
Plan your visit at BalloonOverNiagara.com
