Myrtle Beach in Horry County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Myrtle Beach Air Force Base Historical Origin

Photographed by Michael Herrick, March 19, 2017

1. Myrtle Beach Air Force Base Historical Origin Marker

Inscription.
The very beginning of a military base in Myrtle Beach can be traced to a meeting of the Myrtle Beach Town Council on October 16, 1939. At that meeting, the Council agreed to purchase 135 acres for a municipal airport, and at the next meeting, named the new airport the Harrelson Municipal Airport in recognition of Mayor W. L. Harrelson's efforts in promoting the construction of an airport.

In 1940, federal funds, as part of the National Defense Program, were given to the Town of Myrtle Beach to help construct two runways.

In 1941, the United States Army Air Corps expressed interest in the use of the airport for pilot training, and additional funds were made available to lengthen and pave two runways.

In November 1941, the War Department, acting under the Second War Powers Act, acquired 6,707 acres to include the municipal airport. Many airfield improvements ensued, and a fighter-bomber group was activated and given the mission of supporting and training pilots and associated air crews.

Topics. This memorial is listed in this topic list: Military.

Location. 33° 39.653′ N, 78° 55.715′ W.

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Memorial is in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, in Horry County. It is at the intersection of Farrow Parkway and South Kings Highway, on the right when traveling north on Farrow Parkway. Located in the Warbird Park next to Myrtle Beach International Airport. Touch for map. Memorial is in this post office area: Myrtle Beach SC 29577, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this memorial is on South Carolina’s Grand Strand

and in the Pee Dee.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Deep South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: World War II Missions Performed at Myrtle Beach Army Air Field (here, next to this marker); 1954 Conveyance of Base to United States Air Force (a few steps from this marker); Post World War II Demobilization/Remobilization of the Myrtle Beach Army Air Base

Photographed by Michael Herrick, March 19, 2017

2. Myrtle Beach Air Force Base Historical Origin Marker

(a few steps from this marker); Wall of Service (a few steps from this marker); Activation of the 354th Fighter Day Wing (a few steps from this marker); Archaeological and Historical Data (a few steps from this marker); Grand Strand Chapter and Unit 354 (within shouting distance of this marker); Combat Wounded Veterans (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Myrtle Beach.

Also see . . .
1. Myrtle Beach Air Force Base on Wikipedia. (Submitted on March 21, 2017, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
2. Myrtle Beach International Airport on Wikipedia. (Submitted on March 21, 2017, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
3. Myrtle Beach International Airport. (Submitted on March 21, 2017, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)

Credits. This page was last revised on March 21, 2017. It was originally submitted on March 21, 2017, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 381 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 21, 2017, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.