The world was a much different place when William Boeing started to build aeroplanes in a small boathouse along the shore of Seattle’s Lake Union in 1916. Flying machines were still a novelty. Most aviation records, such as altitude, distance and speed, were held by European aircraft manufacturers and pilots.
Some Boeing aircraft never made it beyond the drawing board. But, their sleek lines inspired generations. In fact, some old designs still look futuristic today.
During World War II, Boeing’s factories produced a staggering number of aircraft, ranging from B-17 Flying Fortress bombers to P-51 Mustang fighters. Thousands of men and women on the homefront kept the assembly lines humming day and night.
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