HistoricSiteMarkers
Progressive & Modern Era

"Kelly No. 2" Flight Line

San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas

Marker Inscription

In November 1916, Maj. Benjamin Foulois of the Aviation Section of the U.S. Army's Signal Corps chose a tract of land approximately three-fourths of a mile to the southeast of this spot to serve as a flying field for the Army Aviation Corps. In 1917, the site was named Camp Kelly and later Kelly Field in honor of Lt. George E.M. Kelly, who in 1911 had become the first American aviator to lose his life while piloting a military aircraft. Activities at the camp included both flight training and aircraft maintenance. In September 1917, Kelly Field's training activities moved north to this area, called "Kelly No. 2" to distinguish it from the original field. The new flight line, extending 125 yards east and 2400 yards west of this site, consisted of numerous hangars, warehouses, barracks, repair shops, classrooms, and maintenance buildings. "Kelly No. 2" retained its training function from 1917 through 1942. Its Air Corps Advanced Flying School produced many prominent American aviators, including Charles Lindbergh and Claire Chennault. In 1955, the advent of new and larger aircraft prompted the extension of the existing runway, this necessitating the demolition of the old "Kelly No. 2" flight line. (1986)

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

In 1916 Maj. Benjamin Foulois chose land near here for an Army flying field, soon named Kelly Field for Lt. George E. M. Kelly, the first American aviator killed flying a military aircraft. In 1917 training moved to this "Kelly No. 2" flight line, a sprawl of hangars, shops, and barracks whose Advanced Flying School trained aviators including Charles Lindbergh and Claire Chennault. The line served until 1942 and was demolished in 1955 to make way for larger runways.

Why it matters

Kelly Field was a cradle of American military aviation, training the pilots who would define flight and air power from the barnstorming age through World War II.

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Related people

  • · Benjamin Foulois
  • · George E. M. Kelly
  • · Charles Lindbergh
  • · Claire Chennault

Themes & tags

Innovation & FlightMilitary & WartimeLandmark

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