Dyersburg Army Airfield

A city appeared on cotton fields here in a year. Ground was broken in 1942 after more than seventy families were moved off the land, and by summer 1943 the field had over 300 buildings and three 6,167-foot runways. Wives and mothers of the trainees crowded into attics and garages in Halls, Ripley and Dyersburg for a last visit. Some streets took English base names, and the field was unofficially called Peterborough Airdrome. After the war the buildings were hauled away, and the morgue became a house. About 7,700 airmen finished their training here.

What the plaque says

Dyersburg Army Airfield Halls, Tennessee The airfield located one half mile east of here was in operation from 1942 to 1945. Thousands of airmen took their last statewide training here before going into combat overseas. Training received here in flying B-17 Flying Fortresses played a key role in preparing U.S. bomber crews for combat in World War II.

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Alex Haley House Museum — 18 mi
  The 1919 bungalow in Henning where Alex Haley heard the family stories behind Roots, now a state historic site and museum with his grave in the front yard.
• Davy Crockett Cabin — 29 mi
  A restored cabin and museum in Rutherford for the last Tennessee home of David Crockett, who broke with Andrew Jackson over Indian removal.
• Fort Pillow State Historic Park — 29 mi
  A National Historic Landmark on the Chickasaw Bluffs where, on April 12, 1864, Confederate troops massacred Black Union soldiers who were trying to surrender.

More markers nearby

• Bruce High School — 8.8 mi
• Hands Across America Mid-Point — 12 mi
• WW II Mid-Air Collision — 12 mi
• Cageville in the Civil War — 19 mi