Jean-Pierre Francois Blanchard

About

French balloonist who was the first person to fly across the English Channel in a balloon.

Before Fame

He spent his early career developing an airplane prototype. After attending aircraft demonstrations by the famous Montgolfier brothers, however, he abandoned airplane blueprints in favor of balloon designs.

Trivia

His balloon shows were highly entertaining and often ended with a parachute demonstration; once, he even attached a dog to a parachute.

Family Life

He married Sophie Blanchard in 1804.

Associated With

The launch of his 1793 balloon expedition was witnessed by future U.S. President George Washington .