Video: World War I Marker Is Up

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WEST POINT, Miss. (WCBI)- A permanent historic marker now stands on Hazelwood Road in West Point overlooking what was once Payne Field Aviation School.

Artifacts continue turning up at the site of the World War I military facility where cadet aviators flew training missions in their crude warbird known as Jennies.

In its heyday more than 50 buildings, including a hospital, were situated on the 533 acre site at White Station.

“It was only in operation for a short period of time in 1918. But there is a growing interest all over the world really about World War I cause its coming up on the 100 year anniversary,” said David Trojan, aviation historian.

“We just knew it was there and it was a  World War I training base but we didn’t know nearly the history of it that we know now,” said Kenny Hinshaw.

Some 1500 pilots trained at Payne Field before it closed March 1920.

 

Categories: Local News

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