South Jersey History Moment: The Mexican Lindbergh

Along a lonely stretch of sandy road, surrounded by the dense

pines of the Wharton State Forest stands the Emilio Carranza Memorial.

The weathered granite monument was erected in memory of a

young Mexican aviator named Emilio Carranza, who like his

contemporary, American Charles Lindbergh, was a 

 daring pioneer of long distance flight.

 Captain Emilio Carranza

(1905-1928)

Nicknamed the "Lindbergh of Mexico" Carranza had flown to

New York City to begin the first leg of his goodwill tour, He was hoping

to bring aerial fame to his own country by flying nonstop from

New York City to Mexico City.

However, on July 13, 1928  during the return trip to Mexico,

Captain Carranza inadvertently flew his plane, the Mexico-Excelsior,

into the path of a violent thunderstorm brewing over the Pine Barrens

and crashed while attempting an emergency landing. 

Today a twelve foot high monument marks the site of the

plane crash.  A dedication to the pilot is inscribed in both English

and Spanish.  On one side of the memorial, a relief of an Aztec

eagle falls from its flight.

Every year on the Saturday closest to July 13th, the Mount Holly

American Legion accompanied by dignitaries representing both the

United States and Mexico, gather at the monument to honor the

memory of Emilio Carranza.

To visit the monument, go to the Wharton State Forest in Tabernacle

and follow the Batona Trail.  The monument stands in a clearing

near the headwaters of Tulpehocken Creek.

The Emilio Carranza Memorial

Wharton State Forest

Tabernacle, New Jersey