Nielson Field facts for kids
Nielson Field was a very important airport in Asia. It first opened its doors in 1937. This special airport was created by a man named Laurie Reuben Nielson, who came from New Zealand. Nielson Field was built on 42 hectares of land that used to be a swamp. During World War II, it became a military airbase. After the war, in 1948, the airport stopped operating. Its runways were turned into busy main roads, and the area became a big business district. Today, the old radio or control tower is still standing and serves as a museum. This historic area is now known as the Ayala Triangle in Makati City.
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The Visionary: Laurie Reuben Nielson
Laurie Reuben Nielson was a clever man from New Zealand. He had a big dream to build a modern airport in the Philippines. He saw the potential for air travel to connect people and places. Nielson worked hard to make his dream come true, and Nielson Field became a reality in 1937. It was a huge step forward for aviation in Asia.
Building a Modern Airport
Imagine building an airport on a swamp! That's exactly what happened with Nielson Field. Engineers and workers transformed 42 hectares (that's about 100 acres) of wet, marshy land into a state-of-the-art airport. It had long runways and a tall control tower. This was a big achievement for its time, showing how much people believed in the future of flying.
Nielson Field During World War II
When World War II began, Nielson Field's role changed dramatically. Because of its important location, it was quickly turned into a military airbase. This meant it was used by planes for defense and wartime operations.
A Target in Wartime
Being a military base made Nielson Field a target. On December 10, 1941, just a few days after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Japanese forces attacked the Philippines. Nielson Field was hit, and parts of it were set on fire. This event showed how dangerous and important the airport had become during the war. Many brave pilots and soldiers used Nielson Field during these tough times.
From Airport to Bustling City Center
After World War II ended, Nielson Field no longer operated as an airport. In 1948, it closed down for good. But its story didn't end there! The land was transformed into something new and exciting.
The Birth of Ayala Triangle
The clever planners decided to turn the old airport into a vibrant business district. The long runways that once guided airplanes became wide, busy avenues for cars and people. The most famous part of this transformation is the Ayala Triangle in Makati City. This area is now filled with tall buildings, offices, shops, and restaurants. It's a very important part of modern Makati.
The Tower That Stood Still
Even though the airport is gone, a special part of Nielson Field remains. The original radio or control tower is still standing! It's a historical landmark that reminds everyone of the area's past. Today, this tower has been turned into a restaurant, where people can eat and remember the airport that once stood there. It's like a living museum, connecting the past with the present.
Images for kids
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The plaque at the entrance to Nielson Tower, telling its story.
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Nielson Field in flames after a Japanese attack on December 10, 1941.
