On April 19, 1861 Professor Lowe (so-called father of the Air Force) took off from Cincinnati, Ohio in his hot air ballon. He was convinced that if he went high enough he could cross the Atlantic Ocean and that was his destination. However, winds and poor navaigation perhaps had other ideas for the Professor. Although Lowe's ballon had reached 7,000 feet he had a rather quick decent. He landed smack in the middle of South Carolina and only 8 days after the firing on Fort Sumter.

The locals were convinced that the Yankees had a special attack in mind and Lowe was put in prison. His landing area looks like it would have either been Union SC or Unionville? I know Union existed as a town but NOT sure about Unionville? Did any of this make the local papers? Has anyone from SC heard of this event before? Lowe was later released and helped the AOP with his ballons. The Confederacy also had ballons made in 1862. Thanks in advance for any additional information on this fogotton adventure.