Ep. 114: Winging it in Big Bend

In the 1920s, U.S. military aviation was in its early stages. New uses for air power were discovered frequently. The new flying machines would allow military and civilian authorities to patrol dangerous, remote areas more effectively. Few areas in the U.S. were more remote, or more dangerous, than the Mexican border in far west Texas. Revolution, banditry and violence were commonplace. The military needed an airfield from which to operate, but where? Elmo and Ada Johnson had the the perfect spot, and one of the most unique and popular airfields in U.S. history, Johnson's Ranch, was born. Learn more about the time when airplanes came to the Big Bend in the latest episode of Wise About Texas.