Eielson Air Force Base in Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska — Northwest (North America)

Ben Eielson Monument

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., August 16, 2024

1. Ben Eielson Monument

Inscription.

A monument to recognize Ben Eielson's accomplishments was conceived in late 1955 and dedicated with the construction of a monument at the main gate July 20, 1957. This monument enjoyed a short life, it was destroyed February 27, 1963 when a KC-135 crashed into the main gate killing nine people. The monument was resurrected in 1969 and moved to the present location in May 2000. It's history helps remind us of Eielson's past accomplishments and the challenges faced by today's airmen.

Erected by Eielson Air Force Base.

Topics. This historical marker and monument is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Disasters • War, Cold. A significant historical date for this entry is February 27, 1963.

Location. 64° 41.465′ N, 147° 6.033′ W. Marker is in Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, in Fairbanks North Star Borough. It is on Central Avenue, on the left when traveling south. Monument is in Heritage Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Eielson AFB AK 99702, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker and monument is in the Alaska Railroad Corridor,

in the Athabascan Region,

and in Interior Alaska.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Pacific Rim,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Russian Empire.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Heritage Park / Eielson Global Engagement (here, next to this marker); Heritage Park Pavilion (a few steps from this marker); Col Carl Ben Eielson (a few steps from this marker); POW-MIA Memorial

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Cessna O-2A "Skymaster" (within shouting distance of this marker); War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Fairchild-Republic A-10A "Thunderbolt II" (within shouting distance of this marker); F-16 "Fighting Falcon" (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Eielson Air Force Base.

More about this marker. An acceptable ID is required to enter this active military base.

Also see . . . A Final Farewell: The Untold Story Behind Hursey Gate (Dounglomchan, Public Affairs, 2017). (Submitted on September 3, 2024, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)

Ben Eielson Monument Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., August 16, 2024

2. Ben Eielson Monument Marker

Monument is in distance

Credits. This page was last revised on September 3, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 3, 2024, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 200 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 3, 2024, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.