
St. Louis Lambert International Airport, commonly referred to as Lambert Field or Lambert, is named after Albert Bond Lambert, an Olympic silver medallist golfer and prominent St. Louis aviator. In 1920, Lambert and the Missouri Aeronautical Society leased 170 acres of farmland in St. Louis County to serve as an airfield for St. Louis. In 1923, the airfield was renamed the Lambert-St. Louis Flying Field.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Albert Bond Lambert |
| Occupation | Olympic silver medalist golfer, president of Lambert Pharmaceutical Corporation, aviator |
| Achievements | First person to receive a pilot's license in St. Louis |
| Other Names | Lambert Field, Lambert-St. Louis Municipal Airport |
| Year of Purchase | 1925 |
| Year of Sale | 1928 |
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What You'll Learn

Albert Bond Lambert's aviation legacy
St. Louis Lambert International Airport, commonly referred to as Lambert Field or Lambert, is named after Albert Bond Lambert, an Olympic silver medallist golfer, president of the Lambert Pharmaceutical Corporation, and the first person to receive a pilot's license in St. Louis.
Lambert was a prominent St. Louis aviator and a leading member of the Missouri Aeronautical Society. In June 1920, the Society leased 170 acres of farmland in St. Louis County to serve as an airfield for St. Louis. Major Lambert paid the rent and had the site cleared, graded, and drained, and a hangar built at his own expense. He offered free use of the field to anyone wishing to fly. In 1923, the field was renamed the "Lambert-St. Louis Flying Field" in recognition of his efforts to promote aviation in the city.
Lambert purchased the airfield outright in February 1925 and added hangars and a passenger terminal. The airport became home to Naval Air Station St. Louis in 1925, and in 1928, Lambert sold it to the city of St. Louis, making it one of the first municipally-owned airports in the United States. During the 1930s, the airport was served by several airlines, including Robertson Air Lines, Marquette Airlines, and Eastern Air Lines. In 1959, Lambert became one of the first US airports with jet airline service.
The airport has played a significant role in the history of aviation in the St. Louis region and is considered one of the most historic airports in the United States. It has been recognised as a transformative and resilient leader in aviation, with a $5 billion annual economic impact on the region. The airport's iconic terminal, designed by Minoru Yamasaki and opened in 1956, has inspired the design of several other airport terminals worldwide.
Major Lambert's legacy is honoured through a glass artwork by artist Martin Donlin, which depicts his life and enthusiasm for aeronautics, including images of a hot air balloon, aircraft, and Lambert as a young man at the controls of a plane.
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Lambert's Olympic achievements
St. Louis Lambert International Airport, commonly referred to as Lambert Field or Lambert, is named after Albert Bond Lambert, an Olympic silver medallist and prominent aviator from St. Louis.
Lambert participated in the 1904 Summer Games, where he won a silver medal in golf. His athletic prowess and subsequent aviation achievements are detailed below:
Lamberts's Olympic Achievements:
Lambert represented his nation at the 1904 Summer Olympics, which were held in St. Louis, Missouri. Golf was still in its infancy as an Olympic sport, having made its debut at the 1900 Paris Games. As a golfer, Lambert excelled, navigating the challenging course and demonstrating exceptional skill and precision. His performance culminated in a silver medal, a testament to his dedication and talent. This achievement established him as one of the top golfers in the world at the time.
Lambert's journey to Olympic glory began with his passion for sports and physical excellence. He was an avid golfer and a member of local golf clubs, where he honed his skills through rigorous practice and competition. Leading up to the 1904 Games, he dedicated himself to intensive training, refining his technique and mental focus. His commitment to excellence extended beyond the golf course, as he embraced the Olympic values of friendship, respect, and fair play.
The 1904 Summer Olympics in St. Louis provided a unique backdrop for Lambert's achievement. These Games were the first to introduce the now-standard gold, silver, and bronze medals, adding prestige and recognition to the winners. They also coincided with the World's Fair, bringing together athletes and innovators from around the world. Lambert's participation in these historic Games contributed to their legacy and helped shape the future of international sports.
Lambert's Olympic success served as a springboard for his subsequent endeavours, particularly in the field of aviation. Inspired by the spirit of innovation that permeated the era, he became the first person in St. Louis to obtain a pilot's license. He vigorously promoted aviation in his hometown, leading to the establishment of the "Lambert-St. Louis Flying Field" in 1923. His passion for flight and his Olympic achievements intertwined, showcasing his multifaceted talent and impact on the world of sports and beyond.
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Lambert's early life
St. Louis Lambert International Airport is named after Albert Bond Lambert, an Olympic silver medalist golfer in the 1904 Summer Games, president of Lambert Pharmaceutical Corporation (the makers of Listerine), and the first person to receive a pilot's license in St. Louis.
Albert Bond Lambert's Early Life
Albert Bond Lambert was born in 1875 in St. Louis, Missouri. He was the son of Jordan W. Lambert, the founder of the Lambert Pharmaceutical Corporation, which would later create and market Listerine. Albert grew up in a wealthy family and attended the best schools in St. Louis. He excelled in sports, particularly golf, and represented the United States in the 1904 Summer Olympics, winning a silver medal.
After his Olympic success, Lambert joined the family business and became president of the Lambert Pharmaceutical Corporation. He was an avid aviator and played a significant role in the early days of aviation in St. Louis. In 1909, the Aero Club of St. Louis, of which Lambert was a member, created a balloon launching base called the "Permanent Aviation Field and Dirigible Harbor" in Kinloch Park. The airfield hosted the first International Air Meet in October 1910, attracting famous guests, including the Wright brothers.
In June 1920, Lambert, by then a Major, and the Missouri Aeronautical Society leased 170 acres of farmland in St. Louis County to serve as an airfield for the city. Lambert paid the rent and funded the construction of a hangar, offering free use of the field to anyone wishing to fly. His enthusiasm for aeronautics and his support for fellow aviators were well-known, and he actively promoted aviation in St. Louis.
Lambert's dedication to aviation and his efforts to establish an airfield in St. Louis laid the foundation for what would become the St. Louis Lambert International Airport. His legacy is honoured through a glass artwork installed at the airport, depicting his early enthusiasm for aviation and his contributions to the field.
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The history of St. Louis Lambert International Airport
St. Louis Lambert International Airport, commonly referred to as Lambert Field or Lambert, is the largest and busiest airport in the state of Missouri. The airport is located 14 miles (23 km) northwest of downtown St. Louis, covering 3,793 acres (1,535 ha) of land.
The airport's history dates back to 1909 when the Aero Club of St. Louis established a balloon launching base called the "Permanent Aviation Field and Dirigible Harbor" in Kinloch Park. In October 1910, the airfield hosted the first International Air Meet, attracting prominent figures such as the Wright brothers and President Theodore Roosevelt. The airfield, known as "Kinloch Field," also witnessed what is believed to be the first parachute jump from an airplane.
In June 1920, the Missouri Aeronautical Society leased a nearby 170-acre field and named it the "St. Louis Flying Field." Albert Bond Lambert, an Olympic silver medalist golfer, president of Lambert Pharmaceutical Corporation, and St. Louis' first licensed pilot, was a leading member of the society. Due to Lambert's dedication to promoting aviation in St. Louis, the field was renamed the "Lambert-St. Louis Flying Field" in 1923. Lambert purchased the field in February 1925 and added hangars and a passenger terminal. The airport became the first home of Naval Air Station St. Louis in 1925, a facility that played an active role during World War II.
In February 1928, the City of St. Louis leased the airport, and later that year, Lambert sold it to the city, making it one of the first municipally-owned airports in the United States. In 1930, Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd officially named it the "Lambert-St. Louis Municipal Airport." The airport gained international prominence in the 20th century due to its association with Charles Lindbergh, groundbreaking air traffic control, its status as the primary hub of Trans World Airlines (TWA), and its iconic terminal.
Over the years, the airport has undergone expansions and renovations, including the addition of Runway 11/29 to address congestion and traffic growth. In 1956, Minoru Yamasaki's iconic arched terminal opened, and in 1959, Lambert became one of the first U.S. airports with jet airline service. The airport has faced challenges, such as the decline in traffic after the 9/11 attacks and the collapse of TWA, but it continues to serve as a significant hub for aviation in the region.
In 2011, a tornado struck Terminal 1, causing significant damage and leading to temporary closures. The airport has also undergone name changes, with a proposal in 2018 to rename it to emphasize "St. Louis." However, descendants of Albert Bond Lambert opposed the change, and the name was amended to St. Louis Lambert International Airport. The airport celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2020, honoring the legacy of Major Lambert and his contributions to aviation.
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The airport's economic impact
St. Louis Lambert International Airport, commonly referred to as Lambert Field or simply Lambert, is named after Albert Bond Lambert, an Olympic silver medalist golfer and prominent St. Louis aviator. The airport is located 14 miles (23 km) northwest of downtown St. Louis and is the largest and busiest airport in the state of Missouri.
The airport has a significant economic impact on the St. Louis area, driving billions in economic activity and supporting thousands of jobs. According to a study by Kimley-Horn and Associates, the airport currently supports 102,815 jobs and contributes approximately $27.5 billion annually to the local economy. The study also projects that the airport's economic impact could grow substantially in the future. By 2032, the number of jobs tied directly or indirectly to the airport is expected to increase by about 30% to 133,501, and the overall economic impact is estimated to reach $32.4 billion, representing a nearly 18% increase.
The proposed overhaul of the airport's passenger terminals, estimated at $2.8 billion, is expected to play a crucial role in this growth. The plan includes consolidating the two existing terminals into one new, larger terminal with expanded space for concessions and retail. This consolidation will not only enhance the airport's efficiency and capacity but also attract more passengers and airlines, boosting economic activity.
The expansion of nonstop international service is another critical factor in the airport's growing economic impact. Developing new international routes will increase global connectivity, benefiting industries such as geospatial, advanced manufacturing, and agtech, which rely on global connections to thrive.
In addition to the airport's direct contributions, the presence of companies like Boeing and other aerospace manufacturers in and around the airport campus further enhances the economic impact. The growth of the metro's aerospace manufacturing industry, spurred by investments from companies like Boeing, will create a significant ripple effect on the local economy.
The airport's connectivity and accessibility are also key drivers of economic growth. The airport's direct nonstop service to domestic and international destinations facilitates travel and commerce, making St. Louis more attractive to businesses and investors. Moreover, the airport's connection to the MetroLink mass transportation rail system improves mobility and accessibility for passengers and employees, further enhancing the region's economic prospects.
The economic impact of St. Louis Lambert International Airport extends beyond the airport itself, influencing the region's growth and development. The airport's expansion plans and increasing international connectivity position it as a cornerstone of the local economy, poised to drive future economic growth and enhance St. Louis' competitiveness on a global scale.
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Frequently asked questions
St. Louis Lambert International Airport is named after Albert Bond Lambert, an Olympic silver medalist golfer in the 1904 Summer Games, president of the Lambert Pharmaceutical Corporation, and the first person to receive a pilot's license in St. Louis.
Albert Bond Lambert was an aviator and an Olympic medalist. He was also the president of the Lambert Pharmaceutical Corporation, which made Listerine.
Albert Bond Lambert was a leading member of the Missouri Aeronautical Society, which leased 170 acres of farmland in St. Louis County to serve as an airfield for St. Louis in 1920. He paid the rent and had the site cleared, graded, drained, and a hangar built at his own expense. He then offered free use of the field to anyone wishing to fly.
In 1923, the field was renamed the "Lambert-St. Louis Flying Field" in recognition of Albert Bond Lambert's efforts to promote aviation in St. Louis.
Yes, in 1928, Major Lambert sold the airport to the city of St. Louis after a $2 million bond issue was passed, making it one of the first municipally-owned airports in the United States.











































