National Register Listing

NAS Chase Field-Building 1015

a.k.a. Landplane Hangar

Byrd St. 0.82 mi. SSE of jct. of TX 202 and Independence St., Beeville, TX
Building 1015, the Landplane Hangar, is one of many temporary Quonset-type wooden airplane hangars built at naval air stations across the country in response to World War II. One of the first buildings completed at NAS Chase Field when it was commissioned in 1943, Building 1015 was the central defining element of the naval auxiliary air station built as part of the massive nationwide military construction program launched during the war. Because the primary mission of the base, throughout its entire existence, has been the training of Navy pilots, the Landplane Hangar, perhaps more than any other historic resource at the naval air station, is indicative of the role. Further, Building 1015 represents the Navy's expanded commitment to naval aviation. Finally, as the only World War II-era hangar erected on the base, Building 1015 represents that important chapter in the local history. Contextually the aircraft maintenance building relates to the historic context, Chase Field: A World War II Naval Auxiliary Air Station, 1943-1946, and to the statewide context, U.S. Military 1919-1945. In addition to its historic associations, the design and layout of Building 1015 provide insight into the Navy's effort to train pilots for combat duty during the war. It also represents a distinctive building type engineered by the Navy Bureau of Yards and Docks to meet the requirements of the emergency construction program as well as fulfill its mission. Therefore, Building 1015, is nominated to the National Register at the local level of significance, under both Criterion A, for its historic associations with NAS Chase Field and its role during World War II for its architectural merit.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; 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.
The Battle of San Jacinto fought on April 21, 1836, was the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution, and led to the capture of Santa Anna and the end of the conflict.
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 concise overview of the key events in 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.