Site of U. S. Army Air Corps Plane Crash

Historical marker location:
Sweetwater, Texas
( SH 70, 3 mi. S of I-20 intersection)
Marker installed: 1999
Marker size: 27" x 42"

AT 6:05 a.m. on Friday, April 20, 1945, twenty-five Army Air Corps officers and enlisted men left Midland Army Air Field in a C-47 transport plane en route to Berry Army Air Field in Nashville, Tennessee. The flight crew consisted of the pilot, First Lieutenant James A. Bailey; the co-pilot, Captain John R. Rawls; and the flight engineer, Sergeant William H. Edwards. It was Sergeant Edwards' 36th birthday. Included among the passengers were eight officers and fourteen enlisted men.

Two Sweetwater cab drivers spotted the plane on fire in mid-air. They notified their dispatcher, who alerted authorities at nearby Avenger Field. A crash landing message came from the plane itself at 6:30 a.m. Another C-47 flying just a few minutes behind the doomed aircraft never encountered a problem. After the crash, parts of the plane were found on a straight line almost two miles from the crash site.

By 10:00 a.m. most of the bodies of the victims had been recovered from the smoldering wreckage and taken to funeral homes in Abilene and Sweetwater. The soldiers, whose ages ranged from 20 to 37, were buried in Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas and Washington, D. C.

Ten days after the crash, the Army Air Corps Aircraft Accident Classification Board met to determine its cause. It was the opinion of the regional safety officer that the craft had encountered a thunderstorm with only one of its two engines running, putting the plane into a roll. The plane's 4,000 hours of flight time, mainly spent towing gliders, probably caused a weakness in the tail and contributed to its disintegration in severe turbulence. (2000)

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.

The discovery of oil in 1901 near Beaumont, Texas, sparked an oil boom that transformed the state's economy and led to the rise of the modern petroleum industry.
Nolan County, Texas, located in the western part of the state, has a rich and diverse history that dates back centuries. The area originally belonged to several Native American tribes, including the Comanche, Apache, and Kiowa. Spanish explorers arrived in the 17th century, but it wasn't until the mid-19th century that European settlement began in the region.

The first permanent Anglo-American settlers arrived in the 1870s, attracted by the fertile land and opportunities for ranching. The community of Sweetwater was established in 1879, named after the fresh water springs found in the area. The town quickly grew and became an important trading center for the surrounding agricultural and ranching communities.

In the late 19th century, the discovery of oil in nearby areas sparked an economic boom in Nolan County. Oil drilling and production became prevalent, attracting workers and boosting the local economy. This resulted in the development of additional towns and communities, such as Roscoe, that relied on the oil industry for growth and prosperity.

Throughout the 20th century, Nolan County continued to benefit from the oil industry, while also diversifying its economy. The agriculture sector remained important, with cotton farming and cattle ranching being the primary sources of income. Additionally, wind energy became a significant part of the region's economy in recent years, with numerous wind farms being established.

Today, Nolan County is known for its rich history, vibrant communities, and diverse economic activities, including agriculture, oil, and renewable energy. The county's heritage is celebrated through various cultural events and preservation efforts, ensuring that the history of Nolan County remains a significant part of its identity.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Nolan County, Texas.

  • 1858 - Nolan County is created and organized from Bexar County.
  • 1879 - The first permanent settlement is established in the area by brothers Isaac and Lewis Newton from Illinois.
  • 1880 - The town of Sweetwater is founded and becomes the first county seat.
  • 1881 - Sweetwater wins the election to remain the county seat.
  • 1890 - The Texas & Pacific Railway reaches Sweetwater, promoting growth and development in the area.
  • 1911 - Roscoe is incorporated and becomes a major agricultural center.
  • 1928 - Completion of Lake Sweetwater, providing a reliable water supply for the region.
  • 1942-1945 - Nolan County contributes to the World War II effort through the establishment of airbases and military training facilities.
  • 1950s - Sweetwater becomes known as the "Windmill City" due to the large number of windmills manufactured in the area.
  • 1973 - The Nolan County Coliseum is built, becoming a popular venue for events and activities.
  • 2004 - Sweetwater hosts the first annual Rattlesnake Roundup, attracting visitors from around the world.