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#61

ASCE Local Historic Civil Engineering Landmark

Santa Ana Army Airbase (L)

Santa Ana, CA

Coordinates:

34.8987, -117.0641

Santa Ana Army Airbase (L)

Construction Began October 23, 1941.  Activated on February 31, 1942.  Deactivated on March 31, 1946.  Approximately 800 structures.

  • 28 Convalescent Hospital Wards

  • 18 School Buildings

  • 4 Chapels

  • 4 Theaters

  • 1337 acre site

  • 33 miles of water lines

  • A reservoir.

  • 31 miles of electric lines.

  • 39 miles of paved roads.

Only base used for pre-flight training of pilots, navigators, and bombardiers.  Approximately 147,000 entered.  Large contributor to the growth of Orange County and Southern California.  Current use of the site consists of the following

  • Orange Coast College

  • Southern California College

  • Costa Mesa High School

  • Maude Davis School

  • City of Costa Mesa Civic Center

  • The Air National Guard

  • The Orange County Fairgrounds

  • TeWinkle Park

The Santa Ana Army Air Base was designated as an Orange County Local Historical Civil Engineering Landmark in 1996 and a bronze plaque was presented at the Orange County Fairgrounds that year.

Contact the Committee

Open Position

History & Heritage Chair

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