Soo Skyways Airport
N 43° 30.648 W 096° 45.499
14T E 681197 N 4819982
Following the first flight in North Carolina in 1903, the air age arrived slowly in Sioux Falls. In June 1912, a Curtis Pusher biplane was the first airplane to enterthe skies over the city.
Waymark Code: WMCPB
Location: South Dakota, United States
Date Posted: 05/15/2006
Views: 31
Following the first flight in North Carolina in 1903, the air age arrived slowly in Sioux Falls. In June 1912, a Curtis Pusher biplane was the first airplane to enter the skies over the city.
The Air Mail Act of 1925 was enacted by Congress. Realizing the potential impact of being located on an airmail route, community leaders formed the Sioux Falls Area Holding Co. It purchased farm land located south of 41st St. which it leased to the city for an airport.
The city contracted with the Soo Skyways Airport Co. formed by a group of local businessmen. Three grass runways soon traversed the Soo Skyways Airport. Two runways made an "X" between Western & Kiwanis Aves. and a third east-west runway was situated near present 49th St.
The airport grew and became a base area for barnstormers and air races. Joe Foss, who was a WW II ace and was later the 30th governor of SD, learned to fly at the airport.
In 1939, to meet the demands of the western edge of the city, a new municipal airport was built and the Soo Skyways Airport closed in 1946.
Marker Name: Soo Skyways Airport
Marker Type: City
Marker Text:
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