Octave Chanute (1832-1910)

Chapman Library Mural

Octave Chanute (1832-1910) was the founder of Chanute, Kansas. Octave Chanute was
born in Paris, came to the U.S. as a child, and made his living building railroads. He
constructed half a dozen railroads in the Midwest and developed the process still in use
to preserve railroad ties by treating them with creosote. Between 1890 and 1910 he
was probably the world's most influential aviation authority. He advised the
Wright Brothers. His picture appeared on a 21-cent U.S. postage stamp.