Santa Monica to Celebrate the ‘First Around the World’ Douglas World Cruisers

An open house at the Santa Monica Airport will mark the 99th anniversary of the seaplanes’ return to KSMO.

Friday, September 22, 2023 at 12:35 PM ET

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The Douglas World Cruiser 'Chicago' resides in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum following its historic round-the-world flight. [Courtesy of the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum]

Key Takeaways:

The Santa Monica Airport Association will host an Open House at KSMO on September 23rd, celebrating the 99th anniversary of the Douglas World Cruisers' historic circumnavigation of the Earth and the legacy of Douglas Aircraft Company.
The event will showcase a diverse range of aviation marvels, from historic aircraft to electric airplanes, eVTOLs, and drones, alongside next-generation mobility solutions like self-driving cars and e-bikes.
Attendees can engage with STEM education and aviation career opportunities, discover scholarship programs, and learn about community initiatives like Angel Flight West.
The Open House promises entertainment with live music, food trucks, activities for kids, and a special fly-by by the iconic Goodyear Blimp.

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The Douglas World Cruisers stood tall against the trees along the edge of the landing area at Clover Field on September 23, 1924. The Chicago and the New Orleans had nearly completed a circumnavigation of the Earth—they only had one leg to go up to Seattle to tie the bow on the route—but Donald Douglas, founder of the Douglas Aircraft Company, wanted to celebrate their achievement in Santa Monica, California, first.

After all, the five total DWCs had first taken flight there in March of that year, though they officially started their record-setting trip around the world from Lake Washington in Seattle on Douglas’ 32nd birthday, April 6.