Honoring the 100th Anniversary
As we approach the 100th anniversary of the USS Shenandoah’s tragic crash, Noble County, Ohio, is preparing to honor this significant event with heartfelt commemorations. The USS Shenandoah, the U.S. Navy’s first rigid airship, met its untimely end on September 3, 1925, when it was torn apart by a violent storm over Ohio, leading to the deaths of 14 crew members.
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In the early hours of September 3, 1925, the USS Shenandoah, the U.S. Navy’s first rigid airship, encountered a violent storm over southeastern Ohio. According to nps.gov, caught in a powerful updraft, the airship began ascending and descending rapidly and repeatedly. Subjecting its structure to extreme stress. On the third ascent, a turbulent side wind twisted the hull, causing it to break apart. The control car, containing Commander Zachary Lansdowne and six crew members, came apart from the blimp and fell, resulting in their deaths. Other sections of the airship also crashed, leading to a total of 14 fatalities of the 43 crew members. The wreckage was scattered across multiple sites in Noble County, Ohio.
USS Shenandoah Centennial Memorial Services in Noble County
Noble County will host two memorial services to honor the centennial of the USS Shenandoah tragedy.
- August 31, 2025 – A leading memorial service will be held in Ava, Ohio. It will pay tribute to the crew members who lost their lives. While also reflecting on the event’s impact on the community.
- September 3, 2025 – A more intimate gathering will take place, marking the exact date of the crash.
USS Shenandoah Crash Sites and Memorials
Noble County maintains three significant crash sites and a memorial related to the USS Shenandoah:
- Crash Site 1: Located on Shenandoah Road near Interstate 77. This site marks where the control car detached and crashed. (Note: Not visible from the highway.)
- Crash Site 2: Near Interstate 77 at mile marker 32, visible to travelers. Designated the USS Shenandoah Memorial Highway by the Ohio Legislature and Governor Mike DeWine in December 2024. Signage is expected soon.
- Crash Site 3: Near State Route 78, enhanced with new signage to guide visitors and share historical context.
- Ava Memorial: An additional memorial stands in Ava, serving as a lasting tribute to the lives lost and the significance of the event.
Memorial Services:
- Main Memorial Service: On August 31, 2025, a memorial service will be held in Ava, Ohio, to honor the centennial of the crash. This gathering will pay tribute to the crew members who lost their lives and provide an opportunity for reflection on the impact on the community.
- Anniversary Observance: To mark the exact day of the crash, a more intimate service is planned for September 3, 2025, in Caldwell, Ohio.
The centennial of the USS Shenandoah’s crash commemorates this tragic event. However, it also encourages us to celebrate aviation advancements and the resilience of this community. Preserving these sites and holding memorial services ensures that the legacy of the Shenandoah and its crew continues to inspire and educate future generations.
For more information, please visit Visit Noble County.
