Lexington, September 22, 2025
News Summary
In 2025, Lexington will celebrate its 250th anniversary, highlighting significant historical events, including Charles Lindbergh’s secretive landing in 1929 at Halley Field. This event symbolizes the burgeoning interest in aviation during a time when flying was mostly an elite endeavor. Halley Field, established in 1927, served as the city’s first airfield before its abandonment in 1934. The story of Lindbergh’s visit remains a fascinating chapter in Lexington’s aviation history.
Lexington is marking its 250th anniversary in 2025 with a focus on significant historical events, including a secretive aviation moment involving Charles Lindbergh. In March 1929, Lindbergh, known for his record-breaking nonstop flight from New York to Paris in 1927, arranged for a clandestine landing at Halley Field, Lexington’s first airfield.
During the 1920s, aviation was an experience primarily for the affluent. Flights were characterized by being expensive, noisy, and uncomfortable, with limited speed that often fell behind contemporary train travel. The planes of the era flew at low altitudes in unpressurized cabins, which contributed to their uneasy experience for travelers.
Despite such challenges, public interest in aviation grew rapidly. Initially, only 6,000 people flew annually in 1929, but by 1934, that number leaped to over 450,000, and further surged to approximately 1.2 million by 1938. The aviation boom saw a proliferation of airfields and airports across the United States, laying the foundation for future developments in the industry.
Halley Field was established on Meadowthorpe Farm, once owned by Jacob Hostetter, near Leestown Road in Lexington. The farm’s history dates back to its construction in 1849 and went through various ownership changes due to financial issues. In 1927, after Dr. Samuel Halley acquired the property, Halley Field became the city’s airport, spearheaded by the first airport manager, World War I flying ace Ted Kincannon.
In March 1929, Charles Lindbergh reached out to Kincannon to request permission for his secret landing in Lexington. Lindbergh demanded discretion surrounding his visit and was met upon arrival by a 17-year-old named Melvin Rhorer, who stayed overnight to monitor the plane. Lindbergh flew in without fanfare and went to visit his friend, Dr. Scott Breckinridge.
Even with the intention of remaining under the radar, Lindbergh’s presence became common knowledge among the locals. By the following morning, a crowd of thousands gathered to witness the famed aviator take off again. Witnesses, such as Helen Evans, expressed disbelief at the capability of such a fragile-looking machine to cross the Atlantic.
The visit remained brief, lasting only a day, and Halley Field was short-lived as a viable airfield. Although it hosted air shows, flight training, and sightseeing tours, it lacked the infrastructure of a modern airport and was predominantly an open pasture surrounded by trees. By 1934, Halley Field was abandoned following the development of a new municipal airport on Newtown Pike.
Meadowthorpe Farm eventually transitioned into farmland and underwent subdivision for construction in 1949. In 1946, the new Blue Grass Airport opened, marking a significant step in Lexington’s aviation history. Today, the site where Halley Field once operated is recognized with a marker at the intersection of Boiling Springs Road and Leestown Pike, serving as a testament to Lexington’s rich aviation heritage.
FAQ Section
What was Halley Field?
Halley Field was Lexington’s first airfield, established in 1927, and served as a location for aviation activities until its abandonment in 1934.
Why was Charles Lindbergh’s visit to Lexington significant?
Charles Lindbergh’s secret landing in March 1929 exemplified the growing public interest in aviation and connected Lexington to a pivotal moment in aviation history.
How did air travel change after Lindbergh’s transatlantic flight?
Following Lindbergh’s historic flight in 1927, the number of annual air travelers increased dramatically from 6,000 in 1929 to over 1.2 million by 1938, marking the beginning of commercial aviation’s expansion.
What happened to Meadowthorpe Farm?
Meadowthorpe Farm changed ownership several times and transitioned into farmland, with portions subdivided for residential development by 1949.
What is the significance of the marker at the site of Halley Field today?
The marker serves to commemorate Lexington’s aviation history and the important role Halley Field played in the early 20th-century aviation boom.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Lindbergh’s Secret Landing | In March 1929, Charles Lindbergh made a discreet landing in Lexington at Halley Field. |
| Halley Field | First airfield in Lexington, established in 1927, served until abandonment in 1934. |
| Aviation Growth | Post-Lindbergh, air travel saw a dramatic increase from 6,000 annual travelers in 1929 to 1.2 million by 1938. |
| Meadowthorpe Farm | Original site for Halley Field, converted from farm to residential area by 1949. |
| Commemoration | Current site marked at the intersection of Boiling Springs Road and Leestown Pike, honoring Lexington’s aviation past. |
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Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: Aviation History in Lexington
- LEX18: WWII Planes Visit Lexington
- WTVQ: Comair Flight 5191 Crash Anniversary
- LA Times: Deadliest Plane Crashes in US History
- Kentucky.com: Another Historical Insight
- Wikipedia: Aviation in the United States
- Google Search: Charles Lindbergh
- Google Scholar: Aviation History
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charles Lindbergh
- Google News: Aviation in Lexington
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
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