HOUSTON – Houston leaders will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Ellington Airport during a ceremony Saturday.
Named after 1st Lt. Eric Ellington, the facility was originally named Ellington Field when it was opened by the Army Air Service on May 21, 1917. It served as an advanced flight training base during World War I.
In 1923, an order to close the facility was halted when the Texas National Guard established an aviation squadron at the base.
During World War II, the base served the interests of several military branches.
PHOTOS: Look back at Ellington Airport's rich history
The city of Houston purchased Ellington in 1984 so that it could be used as a third civil airport for the Bayou City.
In 2009, Ellington Field was renamed Ellington Airport.
The facility was granted a license from the FAA in 2015, allowing Ellington to become the 10th commercial spaceport in the U.S.
Nestled between suburban cities like Pasadena, Friendswood and League City on Houston’s southeast side, the airport supports the operations of not only the country’s military, but also NASA and a variety of general aviation interests. It is also home to the annual Wings Over Houston Airshow.
Saturday’s ceremony is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Click or tap here for more information.