The Progress of Aviation in Presidio County Page: 1
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THE PROGRESS OF AVIATION IN PRESIDIO COUNTY
The first trace of aviation in Presidio County was the
landing of the Vin Fiz Flyer in Marfa. Cal Rodgers was the
pilot of the aircraft. He landed in Marfa on October 27th oz
28th, 1911.1 There is some controversy as to the actual date
on which he did land in Marfa.
Cal Rodgers made a short stop in Marfa during his flight
across the United States. The purpose of his flight was to
advertise a new soft drink called Vin Fiz, and also to try
to be the first man ever to fly from coast to coast across
the United States and win fifty thousand dollars.2
Rodgers picked a 25-horsepower Wright B Pusher Biplane
for his journey. He called the aircraft the "Vin Fiz Flyer".
The trip was paid for by J. Odgen Armour to promote his soft
drink.
Aviation in Marfa did not come about until 1916 when
an air base was established by the Signal Corp. The air base
was built at the present location of the Marfa Municiple Golf
Course. Five hangers were constructed and DH planes were used
at the base. The airbase also served as a stopping point be-
tween San Antonio and El Pas0. After the war the base was
used by the citizens of Marfa for their aircraft.
Encouraged by the rapi~growth of aviation, several
citizens of Marfa began purchasing airplanes. LeRoy Cleveland
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Bishop, Mike. The Progress of Aviation in Presidio County, paper, May 26, 1975; (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth88248/m1/2/: accessed June 26, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu.; crediting Marfa Public Library.