First Balloon Flight In America episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 5, 2026 · 11 MIN

First Balloon Flight In America

from The 52 Weeks of Firsts Podcast · host Visit Philly

Marisa Magnatta digs into the wild story of America’s first balloon flight, featuring a French aeronaut, a hydrogen-filled silk balloon, a prison yard launch, and the first-ever airmail delivery. Joined by local weather mogul Nor'easter Nick (Nick Pittman), she explores what made this moment possible, what the weather likely looked like that day, and how ballooning went on to shape both aviation and modern forecasting.

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First Balloon Flight In America

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This episode was published on January 5, 2026.

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Marisa Magnatta digs into the wild story of America’s first balloon flight, featuring a French aeronaut, a hydrogen-filled silk balloon, a prison yard launch, and the first-ever airmail delivery. Joined by local weather mogul Nor'easter Nick (Nick...

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