Building 100 "Taj Mahal"
San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas
Marker Inscription
In 1928 the San Antonio Airport Company purchased 2300 acres of land near the city and donated it to the United States Army Air Corps for development of a consolidated flight training facility. Called "the West Point of the air", Randolph Field was dedicated June 20, 1930. One month later, construction was begun on an administration building, designated as Building 100. Because of the structure's exotic appearance, student flyers nicknamed it "The Taj Mahal" soon after its completion in October 1931. With its height and location, the building dominated Randolph Field and the surrounding countryside. It was also a prominent feature in several motion pictures filmed here. To many Americans, "The Taj Mahal" came to symbolized military aviation at a time when air power was becoming vital to military strength. Building 100 was designed by San Antonio architect Atlee B. Ayres. Its unusual 170-foot tower conceals a 500,000-gallon water storage tank. A powerful beacon atop the tower can be seen by aircraft up to fifty miles away. The building also contains an 1100-seat movie theater. Its administrative offices now (1975) house the United States Air Force. (1975)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Dedicated in 1930 as the Army Air Corps' 'West Point of the Air,' Randolph Field consolidated flight training near San Antonio, and its 1931 administration building—Building 100—became instantly famous. Cadets nicknamed the tower-topped structure 'The Taj Mahal' for its exotic silhouette, which hides a 500,000-gallon water tank and an 1,100-seat theater. Designed by architect Atlee B. Ayres, it starred in aviation films and came to symbolize the rise of American air power.
Why it matters
Building 100 marks the moment when military aviation matured into a pillar of national defense, on the eve of the air war that would define World War II.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- San Antonio Museum of Art13.8 mi away · 200 West Jones Avenue, San Antonio
- San Antonio Fire Museum14.3 mi away · 801 East Houston Street
- Ralston Family Collections Center14.4 mi away
- Alamo Vistor Center and Museum (coming 2027)14.5 mi away
- Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium14.5 mi away
- Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks14.5 mi away
Attractions
- Morgan's Wonderland6.5 mi away · 5223 David Edwards Drive, San Antonio, TX
- Off-Road Adventure Ride6.6 mi away
- Morgan's Inspiration Island6.6 mi away · 5223 David Edwards Drive, San Antonio, TX
- Amazing Air7.2 mi away · 7702 North Interstate Highway 35, San Antonio, TX
- Green Acres Golf and Games11.3 mi away
- San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo12.0 mi away
Food & drink
- Bonham Exchange14.3 mi away · 411 Bonham
- Taco Bell14.4 mi away · 849 East Commerce Street, San Antonio, TX
- Margaritaville14.4 mi away · 849 East Commerce Street, San Antonio, TX
- Mengerita Tacos14.4 mi away · 216 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX
- Colonial Room14.5 mi away · 204 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX
- Starbucks14.5 mi away · 849 East commerce, San Antonio, TX
Places to stay
- Comfort Suites Alamo/River Walk14.1 mi away · 505 Live Oak Street, San Antonio, TX
- Red Roof PLUS+ San Antonio Downtown - Riverwalk14.2 mi away
- Hampton14.2 mi away · 414 Bowie Street, San Antonio, TX
- Days Inn14.2 mi away · 400 Bowie Street, San Antonio, TX
- Tru by Hilton San Antonio Downtown Riverwalk14.2 mi away · 901 East Houston Street, San Antonio, TX
- Residence Inn14.2 mi away
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Related people
- · Atlee B. Ayres
Themes & tags
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