Main content
This programme will be available shortly after broadcast

100 Objects #4: Lowe's Gas Bag

How one man's runaway balloon flight sparked America's obsession with going either higher.

In 1861, one man and a “gas bag” filled with hydrogen sparked America's obsession with going higher, farther, into the unknown. In this episode, Roman Mars and journalist Jack Hitt tell the story of Thaddeus Lowe — showman, scientist, and dreamer — whose balloon flight from Cincinnati went wildly off course and straight into the Civil War. Lowe pivoted to create the US military's first aerial reconnaissance unit, a precursor to the Air Force, and today his legacy spans generations— stretching all the way to the dark side of the moon.

A History of the United States in 100 Objects is produced by BBC Studios and 99% Invisible.

Host: Roman Mars
Producers: Priscilla Alabi, Brenna Daldorph, Isaac Fisher, Ellie Lightfoot
EPs: Annie Brown, Courtney Harrell, Kathy Tu

27 minutes

On radio

Mon 16 Nov 202604:32
BBC World Service

More episodes

Previous

100 Objects: 3. The pension files

Next

100 Objects: 5:.Blue Back Speller

See all episodes from A History Of The United States In 100 Objects

Broadcasts

  • Mon 16 Nov 202604:32
    BBC World Service
  • Mon 16 Nov 202613:32
    BBC World Service except Australasia, East and Southern Africa, News Internet & West and Central Africa
  • Mon 16 Nov 202618:32
    BBC World Service East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa only
  • Mon 16 Nov 202623:32
    BBC World Service except East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa
  • Sat 21 Nov 202617:32
    BBC World Service News Internet