Near Marfa in Presidio County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Site of Marfa Army Air Field
The airfield had four hangars, five runways and a unique angled parking apron. There were also several auxiliary fields in the area. Support personnel here included a Women's Army Corps unit established in 1943 and African American troops, assigned primarily to motor pool duties. Trainees included allied Chinese flying cadets, the first class arriving in September 1944.
After Germany surrendered in May 1945, the USAAF considered deactivating Marfa Army Air Field and placed the installation on standby status. However, the need for additional transport aircraft in the Pacific Campaign temporarily extended the mission of the airfield. In June 1945, the USAAF placed the airfield in the Troop Carrier Command as home of the 818th Army Air Forces base.
The USAAF formally deactivated the base in September 1945, and the gradual exodus of the military had a devastating impact on Marfa. The military sold off the buildings, many later used for civilian purposes in Marfa, Alpine and other locales. Today, all that remains of the once impressive site are foundations, runways and the memories of those who proudly supported the airfield during the war.
Erected 2007 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 13844.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Air & Space • War, World II • Women. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1945.
Location. 30° 16.536′ N, 103° 52.926′ W. Marker is near Marfa, Texas, in Presidio County. Marker is on U.S. 90, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Marfa TX 79843, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Marfa Lights (here, next to this marker); Paisano Pass (approx. 3.9 miles away); Marfa Stockyards (approx. 7.6 miles away); Presidio County (approx. 7.8 miles away); Presidio (approx. 7.8 miles away); Blackwell School (approx. 8.6 miles away); Humphris-Humphreys House (approx. 8.6 miles away); Fort D.A. Russell (approx. 8.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Marfa.
More about this marker. Marker is in parking lot of the Marfa Lights viewing center.
Also see . . . Martin & Marfa, Texas. Pictures, articles and information about the Army Air Base, Gliders, Lady Bird Johnson, Movies (including Giant) and the Marfa Lights. (Submitted on January 19, 2010.)
Credits. This page was last revised on September 17, 2019. It was originally submitted on January 15, 2010, by Richard Denney of Austin, Texas. This page has been viewed 2,178 times since then and 110 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 15, 2010, by Richard Denney of Austin, Texas. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.