There’s been a lot of news about the Boulder City Airport lately, but we thought it would be a lot of fun to take a look at the history of our airport here in town.
Boulder City’s first airport was started by a race car driver and barnstorming stunt pilot, Noel Bullock. In 1933 when Hoover Dam was under construction, Bullock began offering charter and sightseeing tours. Many famous people and officials flew in and out of Bullocks “field”. In the early days of aviation, flying was a dangerous way to travel. Bullock himself died when his plane crashed into the California gulf.
In later years the airport was leased by TWA, owned by Howard Hughes. It was from Bullocks field that Hughes flew the Sirkosky-43, an experimental seaplane that could land on water. Hughes ended up crashing the plane into Lake Mead, suffering head injuries and killing two of his passengers.
The airport was used by various entities until it was closed in the early 90’s. You can still see traces of the old runway and one of the old hangers still exists. The original airport terminal is still with us too, occupied by the Elk’s Lodge at 1217 Nevada Highway. Check it out!
Written by Noreen Kenny for publication by Boulder City Social.
