Historical Marker

Breedlove Airport

Historical marker location:
2236 E 50th Street, Lubbock, Texas
( 1/2 mile East of MLK Blvd. on E 50th Street, south side of the street)
Marker installed: 2012
Marker size: 27" x 42"

WHEN CHARLES LINDBERGH WAS TRAVELLING THE U.S. BY AIRPLANE ON A SPEAKING TOUR, HE WAS UNABLE TO LAND AT LUBBOCK BECAUSE THERE WAS NO AIRPORT AT THE TIME. CITY LEADERS AND AVIATION ENTHUSIASTS, DETERMINED TO SEE THAT LUBBOCK WOULD NOT MISS OUT ON THE NEW WAVE OF AVIATION, RAISED THE FUNDS FOR A MUNICIPAL AIRPORT. THE AIRPORT WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1930 AT ITS PRESENT LOCATION NORTH OF THE CITY, AND WAS MANAGED BY CLENT BREEDLOVE, A WELL-KNOWN LOCAL AVIATOR.

IN SEP. 1939, BREEDLOVE LEFT HIS POSITION TO OPEN HIS OWN FLYING SERVICE LOCATED AT THE SECOND HANGAR AT THE LUBBOCK MUNICIPAL AIRPORT. THEN ON DEC. 20, 1941, HE OPENED BREEDLOVE AIRPORT JUST EAST OF THE TAHOKA HIGHWAY (NOW MLK BOULEVARD) ON EAST 50TH STREET. BREEDLOVE LIVED AT THE AIRPORT WITH HIS WIFE AULYNE AND DAUGHTER MARY LOUISE. HE AND HIS WIFE OWNED AND OPERATED THE AIRPORT UNTIL 1947. IT CONSISTED OF FOUR LARGE RUNWAYS, A HANGAR, SHOP AND PARTS ROOM, STORAGE HANGAR, DOPING ROOM, CAFÉ, RESTROOMS AND TWO-STORY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING WITH CONTROL TOWER.

DURING WORLD WAR II, BREEDLOVE AIRPORT, SITUATED ON 219 ACRES OF LAND, WAS USED TO TRAIN THOUSANDS OF CADET PILOTS IN THE CIVILIAN PILOT TRAINING PROGRAM (CPTP) AND THE TEXAS TECH PRE-FLIGHTS PROGRAM (309TH COLLEGE TRAINING DETACHMENT). THE SITE ALSO SERVED AS LUBBOCK’S COMMERCIAL AIRPORT DURING THE WAR YEARS. ON FEB. 6, 1943, CONGRESSMAN GEORGE H. MAHON ANNOUNCED THAT A NEW MILITARY CORPS WAS TO USE TEXAS TECH’S FACILITIES FOR WAR-TIME TRAINING. THE PRE-FLIGHT PROGRAM WAS A WAY FOR COLLEGES AND CIVILIAN CONTRACTORS TO PROVIDE THE INITIAL TRAINING FOR PILOTS, WAS CRITICAL TO FULFILLING THE DESPERATE NEED FOR PILOTS DURING THE WAR, AND ALSO GAVE A LARGE ECONOMIC BOOST TO LUBBOCK-AREA BUSINESSES. THE CPTP AND PRE-FLIGHT PROGRAMS EDUCATED AN ESTIMATED 3,750 MILITARY STUDENTS IN THE BASICS OF FLIGHT, CIVIL AIR REGULATIONS AND VARIOUS COLLEGE-LEVEL COURSES

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

aviation
Texas is home to the world's largest bat colony. The Bracken Bat Cave, near San Antonio, is home to millions of Mexican free-tailed bats.
Texas random facts
Lubbock County, Texas has a rich and diverse history that stretches back thousands of years. The area was first inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Apache, Comanche, and Kiowa. In the 19th century, exploration and settlement by Europeans began in the region. In 1876, Col. T.S. Lubbock, a former Confederate officer, established a town named Lubbock, which would later become the county seat.

During its early years, Lubbock County primarily relied on farming and ranching for economic development. The arrival of the railroad in 1909 brought significant growth and opportunities for trade and transportation. The agricultural industry thrived, with cotton becoming a dominant crop, leading the area to be known as the "Hub of the Plains."

In the 20th century, Lubbock County experienced periods of economic booms and busts. The Great Depression hit the county hard, but it rebounded during World War II due to the establishment of Reese Air Force Base, which brought an economic boost and increased population. The post-war era saw the growth of education and the establishment of Texas Tech University in 1923, further contributing to the county's economy and cultural development.

In recent decades, Lubbock County has continued to evolve and diversify its economy. The oil industry plays a significant role, with the discovery of the Permian Basin and advancements in drilling techniques leading to increased oil production. The county has also seen growth in healthcare, education, and technology sectors. Today, Lubbock County remains a vibrant and dynamic community, with a rich history that has shaped its identity.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Lubbock County, Texas.

  • 1876 - Lubbock County is officially formed on August 21.
  • 1890 - The first permanent settlement is established in Lubbock County.
  • 1901 - The first railroad is built in the county.
  • 1904 - Lubbock becomes the county seat.
  • 1909 - Texas Tech University is established in Lubbock.
  • 1923 - The West Texas Fair is first held in Lubbock County.
  • 1930 - Lubbock County's population reaches 26,678.
  • 1942 - The United States Air Force establishes an airfield in the county, which later becomes Reese Air Force Base.
  • 1951 - The Lubbock tornado, one of the deadliest in U.S. history, strikes the county.
  • 1967 - Lubbock County's population surpasses 150,000.
  • 1989 - The Lubbock County Courthouse, which was destroyed in a fire, is reconstructed.
  • 1993 - The Lubbock Lake Landmark, an archaeological and natural history preserve, is designated a National Historic Landmark.