Women Airforce Service Pilots

Historical marker location:
Texas State Tech College, on IH 20, W of Sweetwater, Sweetwater, Texas
( From Sweetwater, take IH-20 West about 6 miles to the Texas State Technical College campus to Avenger Field)
Marker installed: 1993
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Marker
© OpenStreetMap contributors

Jacqueline Cochran, one to the most famous women pilots of the Twentieth Century, persistently lobbied U.S. Army Airforce General Henry "Hap" Arnold to establish a flight training program for women during World War II. Hard-pressed for pilots by mid-summer of 1942, General Arnold requested that Cochran return from England and put her women airforce pilots (WASP) plan into action. A WASP flight school, opened at Houston's Municipal Airport in late 1942, outgrew its facilities and was relocated to Avenger Field in Sweetwater. The school operated here from February 20, 1943 to December 7, 1944, during which time it became the first and only all-women military flying school in the world. The program successfully trained women to fly every kind of overseas duty. Of the 25,000 women who applied for WASP flight training, only 1,830 were accepted to the program. Of this number 1,074 went on to gain their silver wings and fly over 60 million miles on operational duty; 38 of them lost their lives serving their country. Considered civilian employees during the war, WASP pilots finally gained military benefits after special legislation passed in 1977.

(1993)

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.

Loading...
Searching for other points of interest within 10 miles of this location.
Texas is also home to the world's largest honky-tonk, Billy Bob's Texas in Fort Worth. The venue covers three acres and can hold up to 6,000 people.
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.