Midway District in San Diego in San Diego County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Dutch Flats Airport
AIAA Historic Aerospace Site
| | Spirit of St. Louis | |
Photographed by Craig Baker
1. Dutch Flats Airport Marker
On this site, which was the Dutch Flats Airport, Charles A. Lindbergh made the first flight of his Spirit of St. Louis airplane, constructed in 60 days by dedicated employees of Ryan Airlines, Inc. The 20-minute flight on 28 April 1927 was witnessed by those who built the aircraft.
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics - 2001.
On this site on April 28, 1927, the Spirit of St Louis was flight tested by Charles A. Lindbergh. He later departed this site on May 10, 1927, for St Louis, New York, and Paris, France.
Ryan NYP N-X-211
This plaque placed by San Diego Chapter Sons Of the American Revolution - 1998.
On April 28, 1927, the San Diego built monoplane Spirit of St. Louis made its first test flight at this location. Charles A. Lindbergh flew the Ryan NYP, N-X-211 for twenty minutes from this site, then named Dutch Flats.
Charles Lindbergh made other historic flights: San Diego to St. Louis MO May 10-11, To New York NY May12, To Paris France May 20-21, the first solo transatlantic flight.
To commemorate the 50th Anniversary of this event this plaque is placed here this 28th day of April 1977 by Friends and Members of the San Diego Aero-Space Museum.
Erected 1977 by American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics; Sons of the American Revolution; and San Diego Air & Space Museum.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Industry & Commerce
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Location. 32° 44.765′ N, 117° 12.076′ W. Marker is in San Diego, California, in San Diego County. It is in the Midway District. It is at the intersection of Midway Drive and Barnett Avenue, on the left when traveling north on Midway Drive. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2535 Midway Dr, San Diego CA 92138, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in California’s Peninsular Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: La Playa Trail (approx. 0.4 miles away); Casa de Lopez (approx. half a mile away); Old Ballast Point Lighthouse (approx. half a mile away); Casa de Cota (approx. half a mile away); A Presidio Soldier's Home (approx. 0.6 miles away); La Casa de Machado y Stewart (approx. 0.6 miles away); Adobe Chapel of The Immaculate Conception (approx. 0.6 miles away); Mason Street School (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Diego.
More about this marker. The markers were on the old post office building which has been demolished by AMG Demolition of San Diego. The property is now mostly apartments. The historical plaques might be installed as redevelopment is completed.
Additional keywords. Ryan Airport, Mahoney Airport, Speer Airport, Speers Airport, Midway Post Office, The Post, Post Point,
Photographed by Craig Baker
2. Dutch Flats Marker
Click on photos to see them full-size.
Photographed by Craig Baker
3. Dutch Flats Marker
Photographed by Craig Baker
4. Abandoned Post Office
The markers were at the top of the stairs near the main entrance.
Photographed by Craig Baker, March 20, 2026
5. Building Demolished
Demolished by AMG Demolition of San Diego. The current location of the plaques is unknown.
courtesy California State Library, 1927
6. Capt. Lindbergh leaving San Diego
"View of Charles Lindbergh preparing to leave San Diego for his first solo transatlantic flight in the Spirit of St. Louis airplane."
Credits. This page was last revised on March 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 21, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 2,910 times since then and 217 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 21, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 3. submitted on July 1, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 4. submitted on November 21, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 5. submitted on March 20, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 6. submitted on November 21, 2021.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Wide view photo of the markers after construction is completed. • Can you help?
