Which Wright brother founded the Wright Company in 1909 with Orville?

Wilbur Wright founded the Wright Company in 1909 with his brother Orville Wright.

The company was organized in Dayton, Ohio, on November 22, 1909, to manufacture and sell Wright aircraft and engines. Wilbur served as president, while Orville became one of the company’s principal technical figures. Their sister Katharine also held a role as an officer and helped with the family’s public and business affairs.

The company emerged after the brothers’ successful demonstrations and patent disputes had made aircraft manufacturing a commercial possibility. It produced aircraft based on Wright designs and became one of the earliest American airplane manufacturers. The business later merged with the Glenn L. Martin Company in 1916, forming the Wright-Martin Aircraft Corporation.

Wilbur’s role should not be confused with Orville’s role in piloting the first powered flight. Orville flew the first flight in 1903, but the brothers worked as a partnership in experimentation, engineering, promotion, and business. Wilbur died in 1912, after which Orville remained involved with the company’s legacy and aviation development.