Historical Marker

Reese Air Force Base

Marker installed: 1997
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Ten years of concentrated efforts by city officials led to the establishment of a U. S. Army Air Corps Advanced Flying School at Lubbock in the summer of 1941. Built ten miles west of the city, where barracks, runways and other military facilities replaced cotton fields and grassland, the base officially opened in January 1942. Renamed Lubbock Army Flying School the next month as the first class of cadets arrived, the base provided training to more than 7,000 World War II pilots by the time of its deactivation in 1945.

During the post-war years reserve units used the facilities here, and barracks were converted into housing for returning veterans and their families. By 1949 the base was reactivated and renamed in honor of First Lt. Augustus F. Reese, Jr., a Shallowater, Texas, native killed in action during World War II.

Designated a permanent installation by 1950, Reese Air Force Base was transferred to Air Training Command in 1958. Thousands of pilots were trained here in the following decades, but by the 1990s the base was slated for permanent closure, leaving a 56-year legacy of excellence. More than 25,000 men and women earned their wings at Reese, including more than 600 international students from 40 allied countries. (1997)

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.

World War II aviation military topics
The state of Texas was once an independent country known as the Republic of Texas. It gained independence from Mexico in 1836 and was a separate nation until it was annexed by the United States in 1845.
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 condensed summary of the historical journey 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.