The Story Behind Boston Airport's Logan Name

why is boston airport called logan

Boston Logan International Airport, located in the East Boston neighborhood, is named after General Edward Lawrence Logan, a 20th-century soldier and politician native to Boston. Logan, who fought in the Spanish-American War, also served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives and the Massachusetts Senate, and was a judge in the South Boston District Court. The airport, which opened in 1923, is the largest in Massachusetts and the New England region in terms of passenger volume and cargo handling.

Characteristics Values
Name Logan International Airport
Location East Boston, Massachusetts
Named after General Edward Lawrence Logan
Who was he? Soldier and politician native to Boston
When was it opened? 8 September 1923
When was it renamed? 1943
Why was it renamed? To honour Logan
What is Logan's legacy? Soldier, judge, state legislator, state senator, representative
Number of runways 6
Number of terminals 4
Number of employees 16,000
Area covered 2,384 acres
Number of passengers in 2024 43.5 million

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Boston Airport was renamed in 1943

Upon his return to Boston, Logan was elected to the Boston Common Council, serving from 1899 to 1900. He went on to win elections to the Massachusetts House of Representatives and the Massachusetts State Senate. After World War I, Logan rose to the rank of major general and was given command of the 26th Infantry Division of the United States Army. He played a crucial role in the post–World War I reorganisation of the 26th Infantry Division and the Massachusetts National Guard.

In addition to his military and political career, Logan lobbied intensely for veteran benefits to include the high-risk group of pilots. This dedication to the welfare of veterans and his distinguished service to Boston and the nation led to the airport being renamed in his honour in 1943.

The airport, now officially known as General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport or Boston Logan International Airport, is located in East Boston and is the largest airport in Massachusetts and the New England region in terms of passenger volume and cargo handling. It serves as a global gateway, offering direct flights to over 100 domestic and international destinations and employing an estimated 16,000 people.

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Named after Maj. Gen. Edward Lawrence Logan

Boston Logan International Airport, located in the East Boston neighborhood of Boston, is named after Major General Edward Lawrence Logan, a 20th-century soldier, lawyer, judge, and politician. Logan was born in South Boston, Massachusetts, and graduated from Harvard College in 1898. During his time as a student, he enlisted in the 9th Infantry Regiment of the Massachusetts National Guard and fought in the Spanish-American War.

Upon his return to Boston in 1898, Logan enrolled at Harvard Law School and began his political career, winning a seat on the Boston Common Council in 1899. He subsequently served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives and the Massachusetts State Senate. Logan rose to the rank of major general following World War I and was given command of the 26th Infantry Division of the United States Army. He played a crucial role in the post-World War I reorganization of the 26th Infantry Division and the Massachusetts National Guard.

In addition to his military and political career, Logan advocated for veteran benefits, including high-risk groups such as pilots. His contributions to the military, public service, and esteemed accomplishments were recognized, and in 1943, Boston Airport was renamed General Edward Lawrence Logan Airport in his honor. A statue of Logan, sculpted by Joseph Coletti, was unveiled at the airport entrance during a public ceremony on May 20, 1956.

The airport, the largest in Massachusetts and the New England region, serves as a global gateway, offering direct flights to numerous domestic and international destinations. With its six runways and four passenger terminals, Logan International Airport plays a significant role in connecting Boston to the world.

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Logan was a Spanish-American War veteran

Boston Logan International Airport, located in East Boston, is named after Maj. Gen. Edward Lawrence Logan, a Spanish–American War veteran. Logan was born in South Boston, Massachusetts, and graduated from Harvard College in 1898. During his time at Harvard, he enlisted in the 9th Infantry Regiment of the Massachusetts National Guard and quickly rose through the ranks to sergeant major.

Following his military service, Logan returned to Boston and enrolled at Harvard Law School. He began his political career in 1899 while still a student, winning a seat on the Boston Common Council. He subsequently served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives and the Massachusetts State Senate. Logan's military career continued alongside his political endeavours, and he rejoined the state militia in 1901, earning a commission as a second lieutenant in the 9th Infantry Regiment.

During World War I, Logan rose to the rank of Major General and was given command of the 26th Infantry Division of the United States Army. He played a crucial role in the post-war reorganisation of the unit and the Massachusetts National Guard. Logan's dedication to public service extended beyond politics and the military. He lobbied intensely for veteran benefits, including advocating for the inclusion of pilots in this group, despite not being an aviator himself.

In recognition of Logan's esteemed accomplishments and contributions to the Commonwealth, Boston Airport was renamed in his honour in 1943. A statue of Logan, created by sculptor Joseph Coletti, was unveiled at the airport entrance during a public ceremony on May 20, 1956. Logan International Airport proudly bears his name, serving as a testament to his legacy and impact on the city of Boston and the nation.

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Logan was a Boston native and politician

Boston's Logan International Airport is named after General Edward Lawrence Logan, a 20th-century soldier, politician, lawyer, and judge native to Boston. Logan was born in South Boston, Massachusetts, and attended Harvard College, graduating in 1898. During his time at Harvard, he enlisted in the 9th Infantry Regiment of the Massachusetts National Guard and fought in the Spanish-American War.

Upon his return to Boston, Logan successfully ran for a seat on the Boston Common Council in 1899. He subsequently served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1901 to 1902 and later as a state senator from 1906 to 1907. Logan also served as an associate justice of the Municipal Court for the South Boston District for 25 years. He rose to the rank of major general following World War I and commanded the 26th Infantry Division of the US Army, playing a key role in the post-war reorganization of the unit and the Massachusetts National Guard.

Logan was also instrumental in lobbying for veteran benefits, including high-risk groups such as pilots. In recognition of his esteemed accomplishments and contributions to the military and public service, the state of Massachusetts renamed the airport in his honour in 1943. A statue of Logan was unveiled at the airport entrance in 1956, commemorating his memory.

Today, Logan International Airport is the largest airport in Massachusetts and the New England region in terms of passenger volume and cargo handling. It serves as a global gateway, offering direct flights to numerous domestic and international destinations.

shunhotel

Logan lobbied for veteran benefits

Boston's Logan International Airport is named after General Edward Lawrence Logan, a 20th-century soldier and politician native to Boston. Logan was born in South Boston, Massachusetts, and served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives and the Massachusetts Senate. He also fought in the Spanish-American War and was a judge in the South Boston District Court.

Logan International Airport, located in East Boston, is the largest airport in Massachusetts and the New England region in terms of passenger volume and cargo handling. It opened in 1923 and was renamed in 1943 after Maj. Gen. Edward Lawrence Logan.

Although Logan was not an aviator, he did lobby intensely for veteran benefits to include the high-risk group of pilots. Logan's lobbying efforts were driven by his own military experience and his commitment to public service. As a veteran himself, having served in the Spanish-American War, Logan understood the challenges and risks faced by those who served in the armed forces. He recognized that pilots, in particular, undertook dangerous missions and faced significant physical and mental health risks.

Logan's lobbying efforts aimed to secure benefits such as improved healthcare, disability compensation, and mental health services for veterans. He believed that all those who served their country, especially in high-risk roles, deserved adequate support and recognition. Logan's advocacy for veteran benefits reflected his dedication to ensuring that those who had risked their lives for their nation were adequately cared for and supported in their return to civilian life.

In addition to his lobbying for veteran benefits, Logan also had a notable military career. He rose to the rank of Major General following World War I and was given command of the 26th Infantry Division of the United States Army. Logan played a crucial role in the post-World War I reorganization of the 26th Infantry Division and the Massachusetts National Guard. His military experience and leadership skills contributed to his effectiveness in lobbying for veteran benefits, as he could draw on his first-hand understanding of the challenges faced by those in military service.

Frequently asked questions

Boston Airport is named after Maj. Gen. Edward Lawrence Logan, a Spanish–American War officer from South Boston.

Edward Lawrence Logan was an American lawyer, judge, military officer, and politician. He fought in the Spanish-American War and served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives and Massachusetts Senate.

The airport was renamed in 1943.

The airport was previously called Boston Airport/Jeffrey Field.

There have been suggestions to rename the airport after Bill Russell, a civil rights icon and legendary athlete. However, some people oppose this change, arguing that Logan's name should be respected.

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