One of the historical sites around Columbus - Indiana is the ‘Freeman Municipal Airport’ in Seymour City of Jackson County in Indiana. You will hear people say about this place that after the World War II many aircrafts were buried here. In the excavation, some aircrafts were actually found and they are now displayed in the airport museum.
The city Seymour owns the ‘Freeman Municipal Airport’ and it is a public airport. It is located 4 kms south- west of the centre of the city. Also known as ‘Freeman Field’, this airport was established in 1942 by the army air force of United States. At that time it was named ‘Freeman Army Airfield’ in the honor of Captain Richard S. Freeman, who was the first commander of Ladd Field. This place was mainly used for conducting the flying training for Advanced Twin Engine. Approximately 4,245 pilots graduated from here. Some 24 were killed during the training. In June 1944, the Freeman Field became the first helicopter training school as well.
After the end of the World War II, this airport was used as storage of the Italian and German aircrafts which were won over and captured during the war and also other American air crafts. Most of them were incredible and rare. Later on in 1946, when Freeman Army Airfield was closed, the collection was sent to different places and some of it was buried as the legend goes. Several groups of scholars are working on it presently. In November 1948, it was reopened as an airport and an industrial park was also established here. Now, around 26 industries and businesses are developing here.
The ‘Freeman Municipal Airport’ is 178 meters above the mean sea level and it covers about 2100 acres of area. The airport has 4 runways, 2 of asphalt and 2 of turf. At the rate of 39 flights per day, yearly aircraft operations come to 14,277. The Freeman Army Airfield Museum that one can see near the airport office is a result of the contribution of local citizens, office staff and the airport manager. The huge collection of memorabilia seen in this museum is donated by many flyers and other interested people.
The airport is located at 1025 A Avenue, Freeman Field, Seymour, Indiana – 47274. You can contact the office on 812-522-2031.
