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
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. Marker is in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, in Horry County. Memorial is at the intersection of Farrow Parkway and South Kings Highway, on the
this page online
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); 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); Colonel Joseph S. Barton (within shouting distance of this marker); 354th Fighter Group World War II History (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.)
Photographed By Michael Herrick, March 19, 2017
2. Myrtle Beach Air Force Base Historical Origin Marker
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 180 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 21, 2017, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.
