1917

— (Inventing Flight: The Centennial Celebration Series #7) —

This field is small. Use it all.
-sign at McCook Field

Entering World War I, the United States urgently needed to advance this new field of aeronautics. Thanks to the area's industrial strength, the military chose Dayton as the sight of a new aeronautical center. McCook Field, located north of downtown Dayton between Keowee Street and the Great Miami River, was charged with researching, developing, manufacturing, and testing all military airplanes and accessories.

Nearly all significant aviation developments in the decade after 1917 were achieved at McCook Field. New airplanes were only part of the work. Aircraft weapons systems, bullet-proof gas tanks, free-fall parachutes, and night observation cameras were invented at the field as well.

Soon, however, the larger, more powerful aircraft overwhelmed McCook Field. The Air Force needed a more permanent site, and Dayton was once again determined to provide it. In a 48-hour fundraising effort, the community raised $425,000 to purchase 4,520 acres northeast of Dayton. With that land, the groundwork was laid for the next generation of aeronautical innovation in the Miami Valley.

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