NAS Chase Field-Quarters R
a.k.a. Commanding Officer's Quarters
Essex St. 0.43 mi. SSW of the jct. of TX 202 and Independence St., Beeville, TXQuarters R, the Commanding Officer's residence, was part of the earliest and most historically significant phase of construction at NAS Chase Field, a World War II-era naval auxiliary air station built near Beeville, Texas. Although the building appears much as it did when it was completed in 1943, Quarter R was one of the thousands of temporary buildings constructed at bases across the United States in response to the worldwide military emergency. As such, it lacks architectural distinction. However, as one of only two individual dwellings built at NAS Chase Field during the war era, Quarters R is a rare example of single-family housing at the base from that period. Furthermore, the building's historic and symbolic role as the residence of the base's highest ranking officer adds to its individual merit. Quarters R 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 19191945. Quarters R is nominated to the National Register under Criterion A, at the local level of significance, for its historic associations with the World War II-era naval auxiliary air station.
Local significance of the building:
Military
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1994.
About National Register Listings
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.
The state flower of Texas is the bluebonnet. The flower blooms in the spring and is a common sight along the highways and in fields throughout the state.
About Bee County
Bee County Timeline
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.
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.
Bee County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey 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.