NAS Chase Field-Building 1040

a.k.a. Auditorium/Gym/Chapel

Enterprise St. 0.37 mi. SSE of the jct. of TX 202 and Independence St., Beeville, TX
Building 1040, the Auditorium/Gym/Chapel, is a product of the enormous military construction program that built a network of naval aviation and auxiliary air stations to train pilots and crewmen for active duty during World War II. Built in 1943, during the initial period of construction at NAS Chase Field, the Auditorium/Gym/Chapel was a creative response to the war emergency conditions that restricted materials and labor for non-essential military construction. By combining three different types of support activities in a single facility, the Navy saved time, expense and, most importantly for the war effort, materials. As a result, the building has an unusual appearance but one that uniquely expresses the priorities of the auxiliary air station's mission during the war years. The building relates to Chase Field: A World War II Naval Auxiliary Air Station, 1943-1946 and to the statewide context, U.S. Military 1919-1945.
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.

Texas is known for its love of football, and the state has produced many great football players, including legends like Tom Landry, Earl Campbell, and Vince Young.
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.