Wedell-Williams Airport in Patterson
James R. Wedell and Harry P. Williams established the Wedell-Williams Air Service in Patterson, Louisiana, in 1929. The company expanded its transport routes as far as Dallas, Houston, and St. Louis. Wedell's aircraft designs brought the company renown through air races held across the country. The renamed airport and its museum preserve Louisiana's aviation history.
Access: Driving
Distance: <0.5 miles, ~10 minutes
Tips: This airport is located several hours outside of New Orleans. It is visible by car from State Route 182. The Wedell-Williams Aviation & Cypress Sawmill Museum is home to aviation memorabilia and various aircraft and is located about 6 miles from the airport at 118 Cotten Rd, Patterson, LA 70392.
Stories 5
Origins of the Wedell-Williams Air Service
In 1928, Harry Williams, lumberman and former mayor of Patterson, LA, met Menefee Airways pilot James (Jimmy) Wedell. Wedell gave Williams flying lessons. The two instantly became friends despite…
Origins of the Patterson Airport
After the formation of the Wedell-Williams Air Service, Harry Williams established a base of operations on what was once Calumet Plantation by clearing a sugarcane field. This airport offered hangars…
Duties of the Wedell-Williams Air Service, Patterson
The air service at Patterson performed transportation and maintenance services and built the racing planes which brought fame to Wedell-Williams. The Air Service’s routes usually started and…
Wedell-Williams Air Service Makes Its Mark
The Wedell-Williams Air Service pilots entered air races across the country from 1928 through 1935. These races kept the viewers in suspense as the aircraft circled the pylons that marked the race…
End of the Wedell-Williams Air Service, Patterson
Jimmie Wedell would never enter the MacRobertson Race from England to Australia. The Gypsy Moth in which he was giving a lesson crashed just outside of Patterson on June 24, 1934. Wedell died…Tour curated by: Teresa M. Thessen