Bowers Field Collection, 1958-2006

Bowers Field Airport was named after Ensign Robert Keith Bowers, Ellensburg’s first native son killed at the attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II.

Beginning in 1926, civilian aviation developed at Ellensburg, with aircraft initially operating from a privately-owned golf course which served as a landing strip. In 1930, a graded runway was constructed by the County and aviation enthusiasts, with a crosswind (7-25) built in 1936 with Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) funds and work program labor. The airport was sold to the City of Ellensburg in 1938, as airfield improvements were further implemented under governmental jurisdiction and as flight training programs and other airport activity increased to respond to wartime aviation needs.

In the early 1940’s Bowers Field was expanded through the CAA’s DLAND program (Development of Landing Areas for National Defense) as a leased military airfield for the 4th Air Force Bomber Base and then a Bowers Field Airport, Kittitas County, Washington tactical fighter sub-base serving the west coast command.

An auxiliary airport was built by the Army Air Corps in 1943 for cadet training north of Smithson Road. During this period, the airfield received extensive infrastructure improvements though government and military funding programs, including the paving and expansion of the runways (4,500’), a control tower, and support buildings, housing and hangars.

In 1947, Bowers Field was declared military surplus and deeded to Kittitas County, resulting in the deactivation, closure and further abandonment of military airfield and landside infrastructure (primarily west and east of the airfield). In the late 1940’s, airline service was initiated by Empire Airlines at Bowers Field as a locally owned regional carrier. Later, another regional carrier service was attempted for Ellensburg.

From 1957 to 1961 the City of Ellensburg assumed ownership of Bowers Field. In 1961 it reverted to County control. During this period, Midstate Aviation emerges from the purchase of Ellensburg Flying Service, as general aviation responds to military flight training needs. In 1965, the newly formed Port District assumes operation of Bowers Field, but is dissolved in 1973, after which Kittitas County again reassumes airport control.

During the 1990’s airport facilities were upgraded, including the extension of utilities to the south side industrial area to support further business development and airport facility expansion. Central Washington University, during 1990, began a Flight Technology program under contract with Midstate Aviation, offering a four-year degree program that resulted in the construction of new terminal building facilities and a dedicated college classroom building. In 2001, an Airport Master Plan Update was initiated and a comprehensive Zoning Ordinance passed which protects Bowers Field from non-compatible land use development.