Pearson Field | Vancouver City

Pearson Field, located in Vancouver, Washington, is one of the oldest continuously operating airfields in the United States and holds a distinguished place in American and Pacific Northwest aviation history. Established in 1905, it predates many well-known airports and has been a significant site for military, commercial, and general aviation activities for more than a century.

Historical Background and Early Aviation

Pearson Field’s aviation legacy began with the pioneering flight of Lincoln Beachey, who piloted the Baldwin airship Gelatine across the Columbia River to the Vancouver Barracks polo field in 1905. This event marked one of the earliest aerial crossings of the Columbia River, highlighting the region’s role in early aviation innovation.

The first airplane landed at Pearson Field in 1911, and by 1912, a homebuilt Curtiss-type biplane made the first takeoff from the site, officially marking Pearson Field as a birthplace for powered flight in the Pacific Northwest. These milestones established the airfield as a critical launch point for advancing aviation technology and skills in the region.

Military Importance and World War I

During World War I, Pearson Field became strategically important for the U.S. military. It was the site of a massive spruce mill established by the U.S. Army to produce aviation-grade lumber. Spruce wood was a crucial material for building early military aircraft due to its strength-to-weight ratio. This mill supplied timber for aircraft manufacturing to support the war effort, underscoring the site’s role beyond just flight operations.

Throughout the interwar period and into World War II, Pearson Field served as a base for the U.S. Army Air Service and later the Air Corps. It was an essential training and operational facility, supporting military preparedness and aviation advancements. The field was involved in several historic flights, including the 1924 round-the-world flight and the 1937 non-stop transpolar flight from Moscow to the United States by Soviet aviator Valery Chkalov, who landed at Pearson Field after this pioneering journey.

Naming and Commemoration

In 1925, the airfield was named Pearson Field in honor of Lieutenant Alexander Pearson Jr., a local aviator and Army pilot who set several flight records before tragically dying in a race accident. His legacy remains a prominent part of the airfield’s identity, symbolizing the spirit of aviation innovation and bravery associated with the site.

Pearson Air Museum

Adjacent to the airfield, the Pearson Air Museum serves as a vital educational and cultural institution preserving the rich history of Pearson Field and regional aviation. The museum displays an impressive collection of early aircraft, aviation artifacts, photographs, and interpretive exhibits that tell the story of aviation pioneers, military contributions, and technological progress.

Visitors to the museum can explore the evolution of flight through immersive displays and detailed narratives that connect Pearson Field’s local history to broader national and global aviation developments. The museum often hosts events, lectures, and special exhibitions, making it a hub for aviation enthusiasts and historians.

Modern Role and Facilities

Today, Pearson Field functions as a general aviation airport serving private pilots, small aircraft operations, and aviation-related businesses. Despite its modern use, it retains a historic charm and continues to honor its legacy through preservation efforts and community engagement.

The airfield is recognized as a Historic Aerospace Site by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, affirming its significance in the aerospace field nationally. It also remains an integral part of the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, linking aviation history with the broader narrative of the Pacific Northwest’s development.

Location, Accessibility, and Visitor Information

Pearson Field is situated at 1115 East 5th Street in Vancouver, Washington, within close proximity to downtown and Fort Vancouver. The Pearson Air Museum is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, offering free admission. The site is wheelchair accessible and provides parking and visitor amenities to ensure a comfortable experience.

Summary

Pearson Field stands as a landmark of early aviation achievement and military aviation history in the Pacific Northwest. Its continuous operation since 1905 highlights its enduring importance, while the adjoining Pearson Air Museum enriches visitors’ understanding of aviation’s evolution in the region. The field’s unique combination of historic milestones, military significance, and ongoing general aviation use makes it a compelling destination for those interested in the heritage and future of flight.