Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Harrison Township in Macomb County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Selfridge Field

Photographed By Joel Seewald, 1998

1. Selfridge Field Marker

Inscription. Selfridge, Michigan's first real airport, began operations as a training base in July, 1917. It has progressed to a leading role in America's air arm. It is often called "The Home of Generals" because Selfridge has been a springboard to success in the careers of 145 Air Force generals. It is named for Lt. Thomas E. Selfridge, the nation's first military pilot. In 1908 he was killed while flying with Orville Wright, becoming America's first military casualty of powered flight.

Erected 1958 by Michigan Historical Commission. (Marker Number 168.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Air & Space. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1917.

Location. 42° 37.685′ N, 82° 49.773′ W. Marker is in Harrison Township, Michigan, in Macomb County. It is in Selfridge Air National Guard Base. Marker is at the intersection of Doolittle Drive and C Street, on the right when traveling south on Doolittle Drive. Marker is outside the Air Park at the Selfridge Military Air Museum, which is on Selfridge Air National Guard Base. Access is restricted; see the museum's website for information about access to the museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 27333 C Street, Harrison Township MI 48045, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are

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within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Neilsen Log Cabin (approx. 1.6 miles away); Kolping Chapel (approx. 1.6 miles away); Chesterfield Township Tornado Memorial (approx. 1.6 miles away); Heritage Acres (approx. 1.6 miles away); School District No. 1 Chesterfield (approx. 1.6 miles away); USMC Memorial 1st Batt. 24th Marines (approx. 1.6 miles away); Saint Joseph Sanitarium and Bath House (approx. 3 miles away); Saint Mary's School (approx. 3.2 miles away).

Also see . . .
1. Selfridge Air National Guard Base. Wikipedia article with the history of the Air National Guard Base. (Submitted on October 13, 2020, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)

2. Thomas Selfridge. Biography of Lt. Thomas Selfridge on Wikipedia. (Submitted on October 13, 2020, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)

<i>...aerial photograph of Selfridge Field...</i> image. Click for full size.

Courtesy of the Library of Congress, 1921

2. ...aerial photograph of Selfridge Field...

Full title: Photographic copy of aerial photograph of Selfridge Field, dated 1921, in possession of Selfridge Base Museum, Mt. Clemens, Michigan. - Selfridge Field, North of North River Road, east of Irwin Road, Mount Clemens, Macomb County, MI

<i>...the wreck of the Wright Brothers Flyer...</i> image. Click for full size.

Courtesy of the Department of Defense / National Archives at College Park, September 17, 1908

3. ...the wreck of the Wright Brothers Flyer...

Full title: Bystanders help extricate the mortally wounded US Army (USA) Lieutenant (LT) Thomas Selfridge from the wreck of the Wright Brothers Flyer after its crash at Fort Myer, Virginia (VA). At right, several men attend the injuries of Orville Wright, who lies on the ground at their feet

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 13, 2020, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 398 times since then and 67 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 13, 2020, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. 2, 3. submitted on October 13, 2020.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Far view of the marker, with the planes of the Air Park in the background. • Can you help?