National Register Listing

NAS Chase Field-Building 1001

a.k.a. Administration Building

Independence St., 0.45 mi. S of jct. with TX 202, Beeville, TX
Built in 1943 as the center for military management and supervisory activities at NAS Chase Field, Building 1001 (the Administration Building) remained the symbolic heart of the naval air station until it closed in 1993. The Administration Building was one of the first buildings completed at the auxiliary naval air station, and all commanding officers who have overseen the operation of the base have maintained their offices in the 2- and 4-story frame building. The Administration Building is strongly associated with domestic U.S. military activity of World War II, specifically of the increased significance of naval aviation since the 1940s. Contextually, NAS Chase Field is a product of the phenomenal military base construction program conducted throughout the country immediately before and during World War II. It was one of nearly one hundred naval air stations and auxiliary flying fields built to meet the critical demand for trained combat pilots during the war. As base headquarters, the Administration Building was a tangible link to the Navy's presence in the Beeville area and illustrates the important role NAS Chase Field played in local history. The Administration Building relates closely to the historic context established for the base, Chase Field: A World War II Naval Auxiliary Air Station, 1943-1946, and to the statewide context, U.S. Military 1919-1945. Since its importance lies primarily in its historic associations, the Administration Building is nominated to the National Register of Historic Places at the local level of significance.
Local significance of the building:
Military

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1994.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
Texas has been a major oil-producing state for over a century. The first big oil discovery in Texas was the Spindletop field near Beaumont in 1901, which set off a massive oil boom that transformed the state's economy and made Texas one of the wealthiest states in the country.
Texas random facts
Bee County, located in south-central Texas, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back to ancient times. The area was once home to indigenous tribes such as the Karankawa and Lipan Apache. It was visited by Spanish explorers in the 17th century, including Alonso de Leon and Francisco Hidalgo.

In the 19th century, Bee County underwent significant changes due to the arrival of American settlers. In 1857, Bee County was officially formed and named after Colonel Barnard E. Bee, a hero of the Texas Revolution. The county began to flourish with the establishment of ranching and farming communities. The emergence of railroads in the late 1800s further boosted the area's growth, connecting Bee County to markets in nearby counties and facilitating economic development.

The discovery of oil in Bee County in the early 20th century signaled another wave of prosperity. The county experienced a boom in oil production, attracting workers and capital to the area. This development led to the growth of towns such as Beeville, the county seat, as well as significant infrastructure improvements. Agriculture, including cotton and livestock, also continued to play a crucial role in the county's economy during this period.

Today, Bee County remains a vibrant community with a diverse economy. It is known for its agricultural output, with cattle ranching, cotton farming, and vegetable cultivation being key industries. The county also benefits from the presence of the oil and gas industry, which continues to contribute to its economic stability. Bee County's rich history and natural beauty make it an attractive destination for visitors and residents alike.

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

  • 1836: Bee County is part of the newly independent Republic of Texas.
  • 1837: The Texas legislature establishes Bee County as a separate county from San Patricio County.
  • 1858: The county seat is moved from old Fort Ewell to the newly established village of Beeville.
  • 1908: The first oil well is drilled in Bee County.
  • 1930s: Oil production in Bee County booms and greatly impacts the local economy.
  • 1942: Chase Field, a naval aviation training base, is established in Beeville during World War II.
  • 1960s: Beeville experiences significant economic growth due to the establishment of several manufacturing plants.
  • 1990: Bee County celebrates its 150th anniversary.
  • 2006: The Bee County Courthouse, a historic landmark, is added to the National Register of Historic Places.