First Successful Parachute Jump from an Airplane Takes Place at Jefferson Barracks March 1, 1912. Early in 1912 Thomas Benoist, the owner of an aviation school in Kinloch Park, St. Louis, decided to promote a parachute jump from an airplane, a feat thought either impossible or crazy. The guinea-pig was ‘Captain’ Albert Berry, son of a balloonist and himself a professional parachute jumper. Twice the attempt had to be delayed because of bad weather. Finally, on March 1, 1912, the aircraft, a Benoist ‘pusher’ biplane (so-called because the propellers face the rear) piloted by Anthony Jannus and carrying Berry, took off from Kinloch field and flew 18 miles to Jefferson Barracks, where the attempt was to be made. The parachute was carried in a galvanized-iron cone fixed to the undercarriage, its mouth facing the rear of the aircraft until just before the drop. From the mouth emerged two ropes connected to a trapeze bar, which had two leg loops at its end. The plane, traveling at about 55 mph, soared at 1,500 feet. With the drop seconds away, Berry hinged down the metal cone, climbed down through the fuselage frame to the axle and put his legs through the loops. He tied a belt around his waist and then cut himself away, his weight drawing the parachute from the container. It was a perfect drop. The ‘experience,’ said Berry on landing, ‘confirms the feasibility of such descents. I dropped fully 500 feet before the parachute opened, and admit to feeling uneasy. But really, the greatest danger was to the pilot of the plane. Berry was referring to the fear that the sudden loss of weight would cause a loss of stability in the plane. Jannus said he felt no such loss. Benoit arrived at Jefferson Barracks to late to witness the jump as did Colonel Wood who had been waiting for the plane, but when it didn’t arrive, it was over 30 minutes late, he went inside is residence and came out when he heard the soldiers outside, but too late to see the jump.

Things To Do and See

Historic area, field archery, lighted ball field, 2.7-mile paved trail, cork ball field, and St. Louis County Veterans Memorial Amphitheater. Jefferson Barracks was a U.S. Army post from 1826 to 1946. The museum buildings were part of the ordnance section built in the 1850s. Exhibits, educational programs and special events are presented. Hours are 12 noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. For information call 314-615-8822.

Museums in Jefferson Barracks

Athletic Fields
For baseball, softball, football, soccer and cork ball, depending on the season. Call 314-615-8782 for more details and to make reservations.

Field Archery Range
A 28-target range located on Gregg Road. Includes an open shelter and seasonal water. The South County Archers are the sponsoring organizations which assist with the upkeep of the range.

Disc Golf Course
Nine-hole Frisbee golf course located west of Greg Road and north of the Blackhawk Shelter.

St. Louis County Veterans Memorial Amphitheater
The amphitheater is located in the historic section of the park. It includes a 31' by 26' stage overlooking a grass seating area that will accommodate up to 5,000 people. The stage includes lighting, fountains and electric outlets for sound systems. Drinking water and restrooms available are sufficient for groups up to 600. Larger groups will need to make special arrangements for these services. Seating is not provided. The memorial also includes a small open shelter overlooking the Mississippi River and it has a capacity of 30 people and has lights but no electrical outlets. The memorial is not reservable on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve after 5 p.m., Christmas Day or New Years Day.

Camp Callender
For youth and scouting organizations for overnight camping, it is located in the northeast corner of the park near the historic area. It has seasonal water and restrooms with showers, tables and firepits, but no electrical hookups or trailer dump station. For 20 to 50 people for a maximum of three nights.

Laborer's House Garden
A garden area behind the house is suitable for weddings, teas, or other special events. For a maximum of 100 people.

Museum Patio
Lovely view overlooking the Mississippi River. For a maximum of 500 people.

Picnic Sites
Consists of a barbeque pit and about five picnic tables. Near the corkball fields. For a maximum of 50 people.

General Lee Shelter
Located near the historic area. Has electrical outlets, seasonal modern restrooms, water, and a barbeque pit. For a maximum of 100 people.

Black Hawk Shelter
Located off Gregg Road on the west side of the park. Has electrical outlets, seasonal modern restrooms, water and barbeque pit. For 0 to 125 people.

Atkinson Shelter
Located off Grant Road. Has barbeque pit for 0 to 100 people. No electric or water.

Grant Pavilion
Located off Gregg Road. Large facility 105' by 66' shelters 25 tables and 200 chairs.
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