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Houston Airport System
April 19, 2006
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This historical marker honors the men and women that served at Ellington Field.
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In 1917, during World War I, the Houston Chamber of Commerce lobbied the federal government to establish an air field within the city. Named for Lt. Eric Lamar Ellington, an Illinois aviator killed in a California plane crash in 1913, the airport was opened in November of 1917 and by the beginning of World War II, had trained one out of every 10 army pilots in active duty.
Today, the now joint-use civil/military airport was honored with the unveiling of a historical marker by the Texas Historical Commission for its contributions to the war effort during World War II.
“Texas and Texans played major roles in World War II, from national leadership to military training,” said Larry Oaks, executive director of the Texas Historical Commission. “Ellington Field was not the exception and this marker recognizes the men and women that served here during the war.”
The Texas Historical Commission is the state agency for historic preservation. Currently the commission is working on a three year World War II initiative project in association with Texas Parks and Wildlife, the |
Texas Veterans Commission, the Texas State Historical Association and Preservation Texas.
The object of the initiative is to commemorate the individuals and locations within the state of Texas that played a leadership role during the Second World War.
Now a part of the Houston Airport System – the sixth-largest airport system in the world, Ellington Field is currently a joint-use civil/military airport that is operated by the City of Houston.
Among the crowd of spectators at the unveiling of the historical marker were community members, active military personnel, a multitude of war veterans and elected officials such as Congressman Gene Green, who’s father served at Ellington Field in 1942; Congressman Tom DeLay; and Houston Councilwoman Addie Wiseman.
Houston Mayor Bill White also expressed his gratitude for the recognition.
“As Houstonians, we are proud of Ellington Field’s 89-year contribution to our nation’s defense,” said White. “This historical marker commemorates that effort and highlights its present and future service as a defense, research and business center.”
Learn more about Ellington Field
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