Civil war planes

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_W._Serrell#/media/File:Serrell.jpg
In 1864 Union Colonel Edward Wellman Serrell designed a 45 feet tall helicopter-like device called the Serrell Reconoiterer, he tried several timed tests over the years but all failed.https://airandspace.si.edu/stories/editorial/civil-war-planes