An architectural assessment of two aviation hangars (Buildings 303 and 304), Lawson Army Airfield, Fort Benning, Georgia and Alabama, was conducted by New South Associates in October, 1996. The primary objective of this study was to determine whether the hangars meet the criteria of eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places.
Constructed in 1919, the aviation hangars formed the nucleus of what was later to become Lawson Army Airfield. First used by observation squadrons assisting in Infantry School maneuvers, the small airfield evolved to meet the changing needs of the military. Serving the airfield for over 75 years, the hangars have remained extant as development and technology have advanced around them.
Architectural field investigations identified two aviation hangers, constructed with steel structures, hollow tile block walls and corrugated metal roofs. The buildings were documented through a detailed examination of the interior and exterior and black and white photography.
The hangars have experienced a number of alterations and retain little of their historic fabric besides the structural steel skeleton and basic form. Based on these observations it is our opinion that Buildings 303 and 304 are not eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places as individual properties. However, these properties are historically important and could be considered as contributing elements for a historic district nomination encompassing all of the historic aviation structures at Lawson Army Airfield. Fort Benning may wish to consider and evaluate the potential of such a district at some point in the future.
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