Ruth Haines
Eugene Airport, also known as Eugene Airpark, was built in 1919 and is named after Eugene automobile dealer Mahlon Sweet. The airport has been serving the city of Eugene, Oregon, for over a century and has seen several airlines come and go over the years, including United Airlines, West Coast Airlines, Horizon Air, and Cascade Airways. The airport has also been used by the military, with the United States Army Air Forces using the airfield during World War II.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Eugene Airport |
| Other Names | Eugene Airpark, Eugene Air Park, Mahlon Sweet Field |
| Location | Eugene, Oregon, US |
| Address | Southeast corner of West 18th Avenue and Chambers Street |
| Coordinates | 44°02′20″N 123°06′58″W / 44.039°N 123.116°W |
| Year Opened | 1919 |
| Year Current Airfield Opened | 1943 |
| Year Original Airfield Ceased Operations | 1956 |
| Size | 2,600 acres (1,052 ha) |
| Named After | Mahlon Sweet (1886–1947), a Eugene automobile dealer and supporter of aviation |
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What You'll Learn
The Eugene Airpark was opened in 1919
The Eugene Airpark, now known as the Eugene Airport, was opened in 1919. The airport was named after Mahlon Sweet, a local businessman and automobile dealer who advocated for the benefits of aviation for the community. Sweet envisioned a way for mail and deliveries to arrive in town via aeroplane, and so the Eugene Airpark was born.
The original landing strip was located on Chambers Street, stretching from what is now 18th Avenue north to W 11th. Over time, the facility moved south, extending from 24th to 18th Avenue. The Airpark was an immediate success, attracting local businesses related to aviation. Two local men, R.A. McCully and R.H. Pierce, bought the city's first aeroplane, offering 15-minute flights over Eugene for $15 each. They quickly recouped their investment and made impressive profits during major events.
The Eugene Airpark also played a role in forest fire prevention, with the U.S. Army dispatching a group of Forest Patrol fliers to the site in 1919 to spot fires. The Airpark was operational until the summer of 1956, when it ceased operations, and a new, modern airfield opened in 1943. This newer airfield was used by the United States Army Air Forces during World War II and was later renamed the Mahlon Sweet Field in honour of its original advocate.
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Mahlon Sweet, a local businessman, supported its construction
In the early 20th century, Eugene's civic leaders, guided by local businessman and automobile dealer Mahlon Sweet, envisioned the benefits that aviation could bring to the community. Mahlon Sweet, who had a strong interest in aviation, believed that having an airport would be advantageous for the town, as it would enable mail and deliveries to be transported by air. This vision led to the construction of the Eugene Airpark on Chambers Street in 1919. The original airstrip, located at the southeast corner of West 18th Avenue and Chambers Street, served as the main aviation hub until the modern Mahlon Sweet Field opened in 1943.
Mahlon Sweet played a pivotal role in advocating for the establishment of the Eugene Airpark. His influence and support were instrumental in making the project a reality. The Airpark was an immediate success, not only facilitating mail and deliveries but also fostering a thriving aviation-related business community. The landing strip, initially extending from 18th Avenue north to W 11th, eventually expanded southward to span from 24th to 18th Street.
The Eugene Airpark became a hub for early aviation adventures and notable historical events. One notable event was the start and end of the first aerial circumnavigation of the Earth in 1924. While the official starting point was Seattle, Eugene residents proudly highlighted that the group making the journey had refuelled in Eugene before departing for Seattle, making their city a crucial part of the expedition.
The Airpark also played a role in forest fire prevention. Beginning in 1919, the U.S. Army dispatched a group of Forest Patrol fliers, led by Maj. H.H. "Hap" Arnold, to Eugene. Their task was to spot fires, and this early intervention method proved invaluable in protecting the region's natural resources.
The success of the Eugene Airpark paved the way for the construction of the modern Mahlon Sweet Field in 1943. Mahlon Sweet's advocacy and support for aviation in the region ensured that the airport bore his name as a testament to his contributions. The airfield was utilised by the United States Army Air Forces during World War II, further emphasising its importance to the region and the nation.
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The airfield was used by the US Army Air Forces during World War II
The Eugene Airport, also known as Eugene Airpark, was built in 1943. The airfield was used by the US Army Air Forces during World War II.
The history of aviation in Eugene, Oregon, dates back to the early 20th century when civic leaders, led by businessman and automobile dealer Mahlon Sweet, envisioned the benefits of having an airport for the community. In 1919, the Eugene Airpark was established on Chambers Street. The landing strip stretched from what is now the 18th Avenue north to the W 11th, and it later expanded south to include the area between 24th and 18th Streets. The Airpark was an immediate success, facilitating mail and delivery services, as well as fostering local entrepreneurship in aviation-related ventures.
During World War II, the Eugene Airpark played a strategic role for the US Army Air Forces. The airfield served as a base for military operations, providing support for the war effort. It is interesting to note that Major H.H. "Hap" Arnold, a commanding officer of the US Army Air Forces during World War II, had previously been dispatched to Eugene in 1919 as a Forest Patrol flier. His early connection with Eugene's aviation history adds another layer to the story.
The Eugene Airpark holds a place in aviation history as it marked the starting and ending point for the first aerial circumnavigation of the Earth. While the official record states that the journey began and ended in Seattle in 1924, locals in Eugene take pride in the fact that the group making the flight refuelled in Eugene before departing for Seattle and returned to Eugene after completing their trip. This claim highlights the significance of Eugene's early aviation endeavours.
The current Eugene Airport, named after Mahlon Sweet, covers 2,600 acres of land. It continues to serve the region, providing essential air transportation links and contributing to the economic and social development of the area.
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The first airline to serve Eugene was United Airlines in 1944
The Eugene Airport, also known as Eugene Airport (EUG), was first built in 1919 as the Eugene Airpark on Chambers Street. The airport was the brainchild of local civic leaders, who were led by businessman and automobile dealer Mahlon Sweet. Sweet was a strong advocate for aviation, and he envisioned the benefits that air travel could bring to the community, such as mail delivery and other transportation needs. The original airstrip was successful, and it facilitated various aviation operations until the modern Mahlon Sweet Field opened in 1943.
During World War II, the airfield was utilised by the United States Army Air Forces. After the war, in June 1944, United Airlines became the first airline to serve Eugene. They initially operated Douglas DC-3s and Convair 240 aircraft, offering flights to several destinations, including Portland, Seattle, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, with stops along the way. Over time, United Airlines upgraded to larger aircraft, such as the Boeing 727 and 737 series, enabling them to provide non-stop flights to major cities like Denver, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Portland.
The airport has undergone several expansions and improvements since its establishment. In 1947, West Coast Airlines began operating Douglas DC-3 services to Eugene, and they later introduced various aircraft models, including Piper Navajos, Fairchild F-27s, and Douglas DC-9-10s. The airport has also been served by several other airlines throughout the years, including Horizon Air, Cascade Airways, American Airlines, and Pacific Southwest Airlines, each contributing to the growth and development of the airport's operations and destinations.
Today, the Eugene Airport covers 2,600 acres of land and continues to serve the region, providing connections to various domestic and international destinations. The airport has played a significant role in the history of aviation in the area, and it remains a vital transportation hub for the community of Eugene.
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The airport has been served by Horizon Air for over 35 years
The Eugene Airport, also known as the Eugene Airpark, was first established in 1919. The airport was named for Mahlon Sweet, a Eugene automobile dealer and avid supporter of aviation. Sweet advocated for the airport's construction, envisioning the benefits that air mail and deliveries would bring to the community. The original Eugene Airpark was located on Chambers Street, with a landing strip stretching from 18th Avenue to 11th Avenue.
Over the years, the airport expanded and evolved. In 1943, a new, modern airfield was opened, known as the Mahlon Sweet Field. This airfield served as a significant aviation hub, with various airlines offering flights to different destinations. One such airline was Horizon Air, which began serving the airport in 1981.
Horizon Air has been a dedicated and consistent presence at the Eugene Airport for over 35 years. They first started serving the airport after acquiring Air Oregon in 1981 and initially offered flights to Portland, Seattle, and other destinations using Fairchild F-27s and Fairchild Swearingen Metroliners. Horizon Air's long-standing presence at the airport has contributed to the airport's growth and development, providing reliable air travel options for the community.
The airline's commitment to serving Eugene Airport has been instrumental in connecting the region with major cities along the West Coast, including frequent flights to Portland and Seattle. Horizon Air's continued service has fostered economic growth, facilitated business connections, and enhanced the accessibility of Eugene and the surrounding areas. Their dedication to the airport has played a significant role in the airport's success and the overall development of the region.
Throughout its history, the Eugene Airport has witnessed transformations and advancements, evolving from the early days of the Eugene Airpark to the modern airfield it is today. The airport has played a vital role in the community, and Horizon Air's long-standing presence has undoubtedly contributed to its success and the region's prosperity. The airline's dedication to serving the airport for over three and a half decades is a testament to their commitment to the region and the importance of the airport to the local community.
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Frequently asked questions
The Eugene Airport was first built in 1919 as the Eugene Airpark on Chambers Street.
The Eugene Airport was named after Mahlon Sweet, a Eugene automobile dealer and strong supporter of aviation.
The landing strip of the Eugene Airpark originally stretched from what is now 18th Avenue to W 11th Avenue. Over time, the facility moved south, and the landing strip extended from 24th Avenue to 18th Avenue.
The original Eugene Airpark ceased operations in the summer of 1956, and the modern Mahlon Sweet Field opened in 1943.
