I’m a bit of an aerospace enthusiast. My passion for this field began well before I pursued studies and work in it. Naturally, I already knew a lot about the history of airplanes, air travel, and space flight. However, I was surprised to learn about the oldest continually operating airport in the world. Can you guess its location? Washington DC? Virginia? North Carolina? Ohio?
While these would be reasonable guesses, I had no idea the oldest airport was just a few miles from where I used to live in Southern Maryland, near Washington DC. It’s the College Park Airport in Maryland.
Following the Wright Brothers’ return to the US after touring Europe, they competed for a contract to build a plane for the US Military. After successful trials at Ft. Meyers, the government agreed to award them the contract, on the condition that they teach two military officers how to fly the plane. However, Ft. Meyers was deemed too small for safe pilot instruction.
During a balloon ascent, they discovered a larger field outside the city that was close enough for convenience yet far enough to deter spectators. Thus, in 1909, the airfield in College Park was established for training military pilots. The Wright Brothers’ Wright Type A biplane was transported and assembled there, with Wilbur Wright tasked to teach two Army lieutenants.
How many airports still in operation can boast having housed the Wright Brothers? That’s pretty amazing. A few years later, Rex Smith, founder of the Rex Smith Aeroplane Company, established civilian aviation at the field. This location is also home to the oldest aviation school, founded in 1911.
Remarkably, the airport is still operational today. Although private and with some restrictions due to its proximity to Washington DC, many aircraft are housed and operated there. Flight instruction isn’t as common due to the airspace restrictions.
One of the main attractions is the College Park Aviation Museum adjacent to the airfield. When my friend Marc, a former Air Force officer, and I heard about it, we were eager to visit.
The museum, though small, is well-organized and offers sections detailing the various facets of aviation history and the airfield. Its collection includes classic planes from the early decades of aviation, some of which were designed and built locally. One such plane is the Ercoupe, developed by the Engineering and Research Corporation of Riverdale, Maryland. It was one of the earliest “safe and practical” airplanes for teaching and training pilots, designed to be “spin-proof” and difficult to stall.
I was impressed by the museum’s balance of general aviation history and specific details about the airfield. Given that much of early aviation history is tied to this airfield, it’s a fitting tribute. The museum also highlights the contributions and challenges faced by early female aviators and people of color, who often faced significant obstacles, such as exclusion from flying clubs.
The museum has sections detailing the role of aviation during the World Wars, particularly World War I when airplanes first saw wartime use.
One of my favorite exhibits covers the history of air mail services in the US. The US Postal Service launched airmail service from College Park in mid-1918. The first airmail route spanned over 200 miles from New York City to College Park, eventually becoming part of a transcontinental route. The airfield played a significant role in early aviation, and it was fascinating to learn about the large compass rose used by pilots to calibrate their compasses before journeys.
Here’s some practical information: The College Park Airfield is privately run and not open to the public, though you can see some planes from the outside. The College Park Aviation Museum is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, except on major US holidays. It charges an admission fee of $5 for adults and $2 for children, with occasional Groupon deals. Although food and drink are not allowed inside, there are picnic tables and a children’s play area outside. The museum also hosts special events, such as a monthly Happy Hour on the third Wednesday of each month.
Here are some more photos from our visit.