Miller Field (Staten Island) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Miller Army Air Field Historic District
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Playing field
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 Location in New York City
Location in New York
Location in the United States
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| Location | New Dorp, Staten Island, New York, New York, United States |
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| Area | 3 acres (1.2 ha) |
| Built | 1919 |
| Architect | U.S. Army |
| NRHP reference No. | 80000362 |
| Added to NRHP | April 11, 1980 |
Miller Field was a place used by the United States Army in New Dorp, Staten Island, New York. It was started in November 1919 and finished in 1921.
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Why is it called Miller Field?
This field was named after Captain James Ely Miller (1883–1918). He was a leader in the 95th Aero Squadron during World War I. Captain Miller died in battle on March 9, 1918, over Rheims. He was the first American pilot to be killed in action while serving with a U.S. military air unit.
Before the war, Miller was a vice president at a bank in New York. He paid for his own pilot training in 1916. He also helped create the 1st Reserve Aero Squadron. This was the first unit of what is now the Air Force Reserve Command.
History of Miller Field
When it was built in 1921, Miller Field was the only air station on the east coast of the United States that helped defend the coast. It was part of a group of forts around New York City. The land it was built on used to belong to the Vanderbilt family.
Miller Field had a grass runway, which was the last grass runway airport in New York City. It also had ramps for seaplanes and four hangars for planes. The field was used for shooting down enemy planes and for training Coast Guard workers. Miller Field stopped being an airbase in 1969.
The field was also home to the Elm Tree Beacon Light. This was a lighthouse from the 1800s until 1924, when it was no longer used. The light had replaced a famous elm tree.
The Miller Army Air Field Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. This means it is an important historical site.
What is Miller Field used for today?
Today, Miller Field is a local park. It has fields for baseball and soccer. The New York Philharmonic orchestra even performs there in the summer. The park is right next to New Dorp High School.
Miller Field is part of the Staten Island Unit of the Gateway National Recreation Area. The National Park Service takes care of this area.
See also
In Spanish: Miller Field para niños
