Gordon Bennett Cup

The Gordon Bennett Cup was a prestigious international ballooning race established in 1906 by James Gordon Bennett Jr., publisher of the New York Herald. Held annually, it brought together skilled pilots from different countries to compete in long-distance, high-altitude balloon flights. The race emphasized superior navigation, engineering, and piloting skills, with entrants representing their nations by flying specific balloons. The event helped popularize ballooning as a sport and demonstrated advancements in aeronautics. It was discontinued after 2014 but remains a significant part of aviation history, showcasing international cooperation and innovation in early aviation pursuits.