Joe Crosson was the brother of popular female aviator, Marvel Crosson. He was best known as an Alaskan pilot, often doing mercy missions. He helped search for the missing pilot Carl Ben Eielson. He flew the bodies of Will Rogers and Wiley Post back to the U.S. after they crashed in Alaska.
Crosson also flew during the winter in an open cockpit. He was tasked with carrying a serum to Barrow, AK. He was also known as the first pilot to land on a glacier.
Historical Marker Inscription
A Tribute to the Memory of
Joe Crosson
1903-1949
Pioneer Alaska Aviator
Who helped put Fairbanks and
Alaska on the air map of the world
Joe Crosson landed many times
On the Chena River near this spot
Dedicated during Golden Days
observances – July 20, 1958
Location
64° 50’ 37.860” N, 147° 43’ 20.082” W
First Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99701, United States
Historical Markers of the World 