Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
Marshall Cohen—researcher and producer, CNN
Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
HOT AIR BALLOONS
HOT AIR BALLOONS. Several accounts exist of early residents of Dubuque soaring into the air using hot air balloons.
In October, 1863, Professor Steiner ascended in a balloon on Main street, between Seventh and Eighth ; reached an altitude of 10,000 feet, passed southeastward down the river, was visible for forty minutes, and landed safely near Bellevue ; he used city gas to carry him aloft.
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Source:
Oldt, Franklin T. History of Dubuque County. http://www.ebooksread.com/authors-eng/franklin-t-oldt/history-of-dubuque-county-iowa-being-a-general-survey-of-dubuque-county-histor-tdl/page-17-history-of-dubuque-county-iowa-being-a-general-survey-of-dubuque-county-histor-tdl.shtml