Spirit of Columbus | The Columbus Foundation

Jerrie Mock Takes Off!

On March 19, 1964, Ohioan Jerrie Mock stepped into her single-engine Cessna, “Spirit of Columbus,” and into history as the first woman to fly solo around the world. Traveling for 29 days and 22,860 miles, she landed back in Columbus, Ohio, on April 17, 1964.

More than just the name of a plane that made history, the Spirit of Columbus® distinguishes and inspires us today.

Every year on April 17, the Foundation recognizes members of our community who, like Jerrie, represent the true spirit of our community with The Spirit of Columbus® Award, also known as The Jerries®.

Browse the Spirit boxes below to learn more about past Spirit of Columbus award honorees!

“I hope that somewhere here and there, just my doing something that hadn’t been done, will encourage someone else who wants to do something very much, and hasn’t quite had the heart to try it.”

Jerrie mock

Jerrie Mock and the Spirit of Columbus Journey

More than 60 years ago, Jerrie Mock became the first woman to fly around the globe solo. On March 19, 1964, Jerrie, then a Bexley resident and mother of three, climbed into her single-engine Cessna, “Spirit of Columbus,” and took off from Port Columbus International Airport.
Mock’s historic journey lasted 29 days as she flew more than 23,000 miles. Stops included Bermuda, Egypt, Libya, and Saudi Arabia where she was met with applause when the men realized she was unaccompanied.
Mock landed safely back at Port Columbus on April 17, 1964. President Lyndon Johnson presented Mock with the Federal Aviation Agency's Gold Medal for Exceptional Service on May 4, 1964.
Originally published in 1970, Mock detailed her flight and stories from around the world in her book, Three-Eight Charlie.
On April 17, 2014, fellow aviators, historians, community leaders, and friends gathered to celebrate the 50th anniversary, when a life-size bronze statue of Jerrie holding a globe, created by Columbus artist Renate Burgyan Fackler, was unveiled at Port Columbus International Airport.