In 1901, Glenn Hammond Curtiss had established a motorcycle manufacturing company. In time he would have a chain of bicycle and motorcycle shops. Curtiss' innovations became know throughout the business community and by 1910, Curtiss became involved with the building of aircraft through his relationship with Alexander Graham Bell and other enthusiast.

By 1914, Curtiss' company was manufacturing aircraft for the United States Military and European Governments and training Army and Navy pilots. The Curtiss flying boats and the Jenny aircraft were widely used aircraft's. Curtiss was also known for forming the Aerial Experiment Association, established a flying school, setting speed records. Among his historic achievements was the development of the first practical amphibious aircraft. Thus was the beginning of U.S. Naval Aviation and in 1919 he made a historic first trans-Atlantic flight.