Santa Ana in Orange County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
John Wayne Airport
Orange County Historic Engineering Landmark
Photographed by Adam Margolis, July 19, 2014
1. John Wayne Airport Marker
Constructed in 1941, Orange County Airport served as an army airfield during World War II. In 1948 the airfield was returned to Orange County. Commercial airline service began in 1952. The facility's name was changed in 1979 in honor of movie icon, John Wayne, one of Orange County's most prominent citizens. Passenger service has continuously improved since dedication of a new terminal in 1990. Recognized as a hub of Orange County transportation, the airport is a tribute to the civil engineering profession which played an important role in its development.
Erected 2011 by Los Angeles Section, American Society of Civil Engineers.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Air & Space. A significant historical year for this entry is 1941.
Location. 33° 40.761′ N, 117° 51.678′ W. Marker is in Santa Ana, California, in Orange County. It can be reached from JWA Roadway south of Interstate 405, on the right when traveling south. Located inside the terminal at John Wayne Airport. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 18601 Airport Way, Santa Ana CA 92707, United States of America.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles and in the 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 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: El Camino Real (a few steps from this marker); In Memory of Jim Olson (approx. 1.7 miles away); Upper Newport Bay (approx. 2½ miles away); Santa Ana Army Air Base Site (approx. 2.6 miles away); The Oldest Protestant Church Building in Use in Orange County (approx. 2.9 miles away); Marine Corps Air Station Tustin (approx. 3 miles away); Site of 3rd National Boy Scout Jamboree (approx. 4.1 miles away); Safeway Store 1929(c) (approx. 4.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Santa Ana.
Another marker is no longer nearby. The Salt Works (was approx. 2½ miles away but has been permanently removed).
More about this marker.
Photographed by Adam Margolis, July 19, 2014
2. John Wayne Airport Marker
Additional keywords. ASCE Civil Engineering Landmark
Photographed by Craig Baker, January 5, 2022
3. John Wayne Airport Marker
Photographed by Craig Baker, January 5, 2022
4. John Wayne statue
Photographed by Craig Baker, January 5, 2022
5. John Wayne Airport Terminal
Public Domain
6. Airport Terminal - 1970s
Credits. This page was last revised on April 17, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 19, 2021, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 568 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 19, 2021, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 3. submitted on March 2, 2022, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 4. submitted on January 6, 2022, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 5, 6. submitted on April 17, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
