General Logan: Boston Airport's Namesake

who is logan airport named for

Logan Airport, officially known as Logan International Airport, is named after Edward Lawrence Logan, an American lawyer, judge, military officer, and politician. Logan Airport opened in 1923 and was originally used by the Massachusetts Air National Guard and the United States Army Air Corps. The airport has since become a pivotal gateway for both domestic and international travellers in the United States.

Characteristics Values
Full Name Edward Lawrence Logan
Birth Date 20 January 1875
Death Date 6 July 1939
Profession Lawyer, Judge, Military Officer, Politician
Military Service Major General, Commander of the 26th Infantry Division of the United States Army, President of the National Guard Association of the United States
Political Career Boston Common Council, Massachusetts House of Representatives, Massachusetts State Senate, Candidate for Democratic Nomination for Congress in Massachusetts' 10th Congressional District
Judicial Career Associate Justice of the Municipal Court for the South Boston District
Advocacy Advocate for veterans' rights, Lobbied for benefits for aviators

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Edward Lawrence Logan's military career

Logan International Airport in Boston, Massachusetts, is named after Edward Lawrence Logan, a 20th-century soldier, lawyer, judge, politician, and military officer. Logan was born in 1875 and enlisted in the Massachusetts 9th Infantry Regiment of the National Guard while he was a student at Harvard University. During the Spanish-American War, he rose through the ranks to sergeant major and saw combat in Cuba. After the war, he returned to Harvard to study law and practised law in Boston.

In 1901, Logan rejoined the state militia and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the 9th Infantry Regiment. He served in the 9th Regiment for the next decade, during which he was promoted to first lieutenant, captain, and then major in 1911. In 1912, he was promoted to commander of the regiment with the rank of colonel.

In March 1917, Logan's regiment was mobilized to guard installations in anticipation of the US declaration of war on Germany. After several months of guard duty, the 9th Regiment was federalized and redesignated as the 101st Infantry Regiment, part of the 26th Infantry Division, a National Guard organization from the New England states. Logan led his troops to France, where they saw combat throughout World War I.

Following the war, Logan was promoted to brigadier general in January 1921 and took command of the Massachusetts National Guard's 1st Brigade. He played a crucial role in reorganizing the 26th Infantry Division, which he was given command of in 1923 with the rank of major general. Logan dedicated his life to advocating for veterans' rights and served as the head of the American Legion's Department of Massachusetts and as president of the National Guard Association of the United States. He retired from the Guard in 1938 and was promoted to lieutenant general in recognition of his lengthy military career.

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Logan's political career

Logan International Airport in Boston is named after Edward Lawrence Logan (1875–1939), an American lawyer, judge, military officer, and politician. Logan's political career began in 1899, when he was elected to the Boston Common Council while still a student at Harvard Law School. After graduating in 1901, he was admitted to the bar and began practising law in Boston. That same year, he was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives, where he served from 1901 to 1902.

In 1905, Logan was elected to the Massachusetts State Senate, serving from 1906 to 1907. He also sought the Democratic nomination for Congress in Massachusetts' 10th Congressional district in 1906 but was unsuccessful. In 1907, Logan was nominated by Republican Governor Curtis Guild Jr. to serve as an associate justice of the Municipal Court for the South Boston District. He remained on the bench for 25 years, except during his periods of military service.

Outside of his legal and political career, Logan had a distinguished military career. He first enlisted in the Massachusetts 9th Infantry during the Spanish-American War while still a student. He resigned from the state militia in 1899 but rejoined in 1901, receiving a commission as a second lieutenant in the 9th Infantry Regiment. Over the next decade, he rose through the ranks, becoming a first lieutenant, captain, and then major in 1911. In May 1912, he was promoted to commander of the regiment with the rank of colonel.

During World War I, Logan's regiment was federalized and redesignated as the 101st Infantry Regiment, part of the 26th Infantry Division. He led his troops into combat in France and oversaw the reorganization of the unit into the Massachusetts National Guard after the war. In recognition of his military service, Logan was promoted to brigadier general in January 1921 and given command of the Massachusetts National Guard's 1st Brigade. He continued to rise through the ranks, eventually becoming a major general following World War I and commanding the 26th Infantry Division of the United States Army.

In addition to his military and political roles, Logan was a prominent advocate for veterans' rights. He served as the state commander of the American Legion and was instrumental in the post–World War I reorganization of the Massachusetts National Guard. He also lobbied for aviators to receive veteran benefits and served as president of the National Guard Association of the United States. In recognition of his decades of service, Logan was promoted to lieutenant general upon his retirement from the Guard in 1938.

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Logan Airport's history

Logan International Airport, also known as Boston Logan International Airport, is an international airport located in East Boston, Massachusetts, United States. It is the largest airport in Massachusetts and the New England region in terms of passenger volume and cargo handling. The airport opened on 8 September 1923 as an airfield for the Massachusetts State Guard and the Army Air Corps. At the time, it was known as 'Boston Air Port' or 'Jeffries Field'. The airport's first scheduled commercial passenger flights were between Boston and New York City, starting in 1927.

In 1943, the airport was renamed General Edward Lawrence Logan Airport, after a 20th-century soldier, lawyer, judge, politician, and Spanish-American War hero from Boston. Logan was a prominent advocate for veterans' rights and served as the state commander of the American Legion and president of the National Guard Association of the United States. He also served in various political roles, including as a state representative and senator in the Massachusetts Senate.

Over the years, Logan International Airport has undergone significant expansion and modernisation. In the 1940s and 1950s, the airport added 1,800 acres of landfill in Boston Harbour and expanded its terminals, adding terminals B and C in 1949, which are still in use today. The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) also undertook the "Logan Modernization Project" from 1994 to 2006, which included the construction of a new parking garage, hotel, moving walkways, terminal expansions, and two-tiered roadways to separate arrival and departure traffic.

Today, Logan International Airport covers 2,384 acres, employs an estimated 16,000 people, and handles more than 30 million passengers annually. It has six runways and four passenger terminals, connecting Boston to destinations worldwide.

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The case for renaming Logan Airport

Logan International Airport, located in Boston, is named after Edward Lawrence Logan, a 20th-century soldier, politician, lawyer, judge, and military officer native to Boston. Logan Airport was opened in 1923 and was initially used by the Massachusetts Air National Guard and the United States Army Air Corps.

While Logan's contributions to Boston and his military service are notable, there is a case to be made for renaming the airport. Here are some reasons and perspectives supporting the idea of renaming Logan Airport:

Honoring a Sports Icon and Civil Rights Advocate

Some people have suggested renaming Logan Airport after Bill Russell, a legendary athlete and civil rights advocate. They argue that renaming the airport after Russell would be a fitting way to honor his legacy and embody the values of equality that he strove for. As one supporter of the idea, Jay K. from Stoughton, commented, "Bill Russell was more than just a legendary athlete. He was a civil rights icon. He deserves to be recognized and renaming Logan Airport for him would be a great start to honoring his legacy." Renaming the airport after a prominent figure in the fight for civil rights could be seen as a step towards racial reconciliation in a city that has faced racial strife.

Modern Heroes and Boston's Black History

The idea of renaming the airport also reflects a desire to recognize modern heroes and Boston's Black history. Some people feel that Logan, while respected for his contributions, is not as well-known, especially to those who are not avid sports fans or familiar with his political career. Renaming the airport could be an opportunity to honor a more contemporary figure who has made significant contributions to Boston's diverse communities. One reader, David L. from Boston, expressed, "I want to see more recognition in general for our country’s Black history and I think renaming the airport would be awesome. I never even knew who Logan was."

Alternative Ways to Honor Logan

Those in favor of renaming the airport suggest that there are other ways to honor Edward Lawrence Logan's legacy. They propose that various other buildings, civic entities, or landmarks could bear his name. For instance, Les C. from Arlington suggested, "Stop the acts of erasing history and respect those who have been previously honored... How about City Hall itself?" Similarly, Carol Ann from Boxford pointed out the extensive rebranding that would be required if the airport's name were changed, suggesting that there must be alternative ways to honor other notable figures without erasing the current namesake.

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Logan's legacy

Logan International Airport, located in East Boston, is named after Edward Lawrence Logan, a prominent figure in American history known for his dedication to public service, law, and military affairs. Logan's legacy is deeply intertwined with the airport's history and continues to shape its identity even today.

Born in 1875 in South Boston to Irish immigrant parents, Edward Lawrence Logan embodied the values of education and public service from a young age. He graduated from Harvard College and Harvard Law School, and his political career began with his election to the Boston Common Council in 1899. Logan went on to serve in various political roles, including as a state representative, a senator in the Massachusetts Senate, and an associate justice of the Municipal Court for the South Boston District.

However, Logan's most significant contributions were in the realm of military service. He enlisted in the Massachusetts 9th Infantry during the Spanish-American War and rose through the ranks over the years, eventually becoming a Major General following World War I. Logan played a crucial role in reorganizing the 26th Infantry Division and the Massachusetts National Guard. He also served as the head of the American Legion's Department of Massachusetts and was an advocate for veterans' rights, lobbying for benefits for high-risk groups such as pilots.

The airport itself was opened in 1923 as a military airfield, primarily serving the Massachusetts Air National Guard and the United States Army Air Corps. It was renamed in honour of Logan in 1943, recognising his outstanding contributions to the military and public service. The airport has since become a bustling hub, connecting Boston to the world and serving as a gateway for both domestic and international travellers.

Logan International Airport stands as a testament to General Edward Lawrence Logan's dedication to service and his impact on the city of Boston. His legacy is honoured through the airport's commitment to excellence and community engagement, values that Logan exemplified throughout his illustrious career. The airport's rich history and evolution reflect Logan's own journey and enduring influence on the region.

Frequently asked questions

Logan Airport is named after Edward Lawrence Logan, a 20th-century soldier, politician, lawyer, and judge from Boston.

Edward Lawrence Logan was born on January 20, 1875, in South Boston to Irish immigrant parents from County Galway. He was the eldest of nine children. Logan graduated from Boston Latin School and enrolled at Harvard College, which he finished in 1898.

Edward Lawrence Logan enlisted in the Massachusetts 9th infantry during the Spanish-American War while still a student. He rose through the ranks, eventually becoming a commander with the rank of colonel. After World War I, he reorganised the 26th Infantry Division of the United States Army and the Massachusetts National Guard, rising to the rank of major general.

Edward Lawrence Logan was a state representative and later a senator in the Massachusetts Senate. He was also an advocate for veterans' rights and lobbied for aviators to receive veteran benefits.

Yes, some people have suggested renaming Logan Airport after Bill Russell, a legendary athlete and civil rights icon. However, others have argued that Logan Airport should retain its current name out of respect for Edward Lawrence Logan's legacy and contributions.

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