1753-1809

French balloonist who made the first flight across the English Channel by balloon with physician John Jeffries on January 7, 1785. Blanchard made his first ascent by balloon on March 2, 1784 in Paris. He made the first balloon ascent in North America on January 9, 1793, which was observed by George Washington. Blanchard also experimented with parachuting from balloons, on the first occasion with a dog, and on later occasions by himself.