The most remarkable ascents on record are those of Montgolfier, who ascended to the height of 2,000 yards from Lyons, France, in 1783. Guy Lussac, in 1804, from Paris, France, to the height of 7,700 yards. Cox and Glaisher, in 1862, from Wolviston, England, to the height of 12,333 yards.

During the Siege of Paris, France, from September 1870, to February 1871, 64 balloons were sent up, with 91 passengers, 354 pigeons, and 3,000,000 letters, weighing nine tons.