What began as a humble barley field is now Los Angeles International Airport. It is one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs. Welcome to LAX. Today, we will explore the history of this iconic airport.
In 1926, Los Angeles recognized the need for its own airport. The city aimed to tap into the rapidly growing aviation industry. After considering several locations, they chose a 640-acre field in Westchester. Real estate agent William W. Mines promoted the location. It became known as Mines Field.
Construction began in 1928. The city converted fields of wheat, barley, and lima beans into dirt landing strips. Los Angeles International Airport opened on October 1, 1928. Hangar No. 1 was built in 1929. Curtiss-Wright used it as a flight school and aircraft service center. This Spanish Colonial Revival style building still stands today. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
In 1930, the dirt runway was replaced with oiled granite. This allowed year-round use. Two more hangars, a restaurant, office space, and a control tower were added. The facility was dedicated and renamed Los Angeles Municipal Airport on June 7, 1930.
The city envisioned Los Angeles becoming the area’s main passenger hub. However, airlines remained at Burbank Airport and Grand Central Airport in Glendale. During the Great Depression, the Works Progress Administration funded improvements. These included site grading and a new runway. Still, airlines did not move to the airport. The city purchased the land under the airport in 1937.
World War II paused passenger development. Aviation manufacturing companies around the airport produced aircraft for the Allied powers. In January 1942, the military took control of the airport. They stationed P-38 fighter planes there. Naval gun batteries were built in the ocean dunes to the west.
In early 1943, the Los Angeles Department of Airports published a master plan. Voters backed a $12.5 million bond for airport improvements. Airlines were finally convinced to move. After the war, four temporary terminals were erected. They were called the “Intermediate Facilities”.
On December 9, 1946, American Airlines, TWA, United, Southwest, and Western began passenger operations at the airport. Pan Am joined in January 1947. The airport was renamed Los Angeles International Airport in 1949.
Sepulveda Boulevard was rerouted around the west ends of the runways around 1950. The Airport Tunnel was completed in 1953. It allowed Sepulveda Boulevard to pass beneath the runways. The temporary terminals remained for 15 years. They became inadequate as other cities invested in modern facilities.
Airport leaders secured a $59 million bond in 1956. In 1958, Pereira & Luckman were hired to plan the airport’s redesign for the “jet age”. Their plan included terminals and parking structures connected by a steel-and-glass dome. The dome was never built but the Theme Building became a focal point.
The new terminal area west of Sepulveda Boulevard opened in 1961. Each terminal had a satellite building reached by tunnels. Terminals 7 and 8 opened for United Airlines on June 25, 1961. TWA’s terminal 3, American’s terminal 4, and Western’s terminal 5 opened shortly after.
During the 1960s and 1970s, jet airliners caused noise pollution in the Surfridge neighborhood. The city used eminent domain to evacuate Surfridge. The homes were bulldozed but the streets remain. A major expansion occurred in the early 1980s for the 1984 Summer Olympics. A second level was added to the roadway past the terminal entrances. Connector buildings were added between ticketing areas and satellite buildings.
Terminal 1 opened in January 1984. The Tom Bradley International Terminal opened on June 11, 1984. In 1996, a 277-foot air traffic control tower was built near the Theme Building. In 2000, the LAX Gateway Pylons were installed. These are free-standing, internally lit glass columns.
In late 2005, a compromise allowed modernization while encouraging growth in other regional facilities. In 2008, plans were unveiled for a $4.11 billion renovation. All terminals are being refurbished. The LAX Automated People Mover will connect facilities.
Los Angeles International Airport continues to evolve. It adapts to the needs of modern travelers and remains a vital gateway to the world. As we conclude our tour, remember the rich history beneath our feet. From barley fields to a global hub, LAX stands as a testament to innovation and progress.