Wedell-Williams Airport Site Highway Marker

During 1930-42 this airport operated passenger, charter, and mail service and a flying school. The company of James R. Wedell and Harry P. Williams designed, built and flew some of the fastest planes in the world. Wedell set a world speed record in 1933. By 1936 both had died in air crashes. The routes were sold to Eastern Airlines. During WWII this site became part of U.S. Army Camp Plauche.

Wedell-Williams Airport Site Highway Marker

Significance:

The marker commemorates the Wedell-Williams Airport, which operated from 1930 to 1942. During this time, the airport provided passenger, charter, and mail services, as well as a flying school. The Wedell-Williams Air Service, founded by James R. Wedell and Harry P. Williams, designed, built, and flew some of the fastest planes in the world at this location. James Wedell set a world speed record in 1933. After both men died in air crashes by 1936, the routes were sold to Eastern Airlines. During World War II, the site became part of the U.S. Army Camp Plauche.

Meaning:

The marker serves as a reminder of the pioneering contributions of James R. Wedell and Harry P. Williams to aviation history. Their company, Wedell-Williams Air Service, played a significant role in the early development of commercial aviation in Louisiana and beyond. The marker also acknowledges the site’s later use as part of Camp Plauche during WWII.