How a goofed-up license plate reignited an inter-state rivalry

For decades, Ohio and North Carolina have each claimed to be “the birthplace of aviation.” You see, the Wright Brothers are native Ohioans – but their legendary first flight took place in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.

Ohio’s latest flag-planting stunt was a brazen one – they printed the Wright Flyer on their newly-designed license plate, towing a streamer labeled “Birthplace of Aviation.” Only one problem – the Wright Flyer was flying backwards. 

NC DOT rushed to their “defense,” Tweeting “Y’all leave Ohio alone. They wouldn’t know. They weren’t there.” To their credit, Ohio DOT fessed up and is recycling all 35,000 error plates.

– Chris Butsch, Contributor