Buckingham Army Airfield

Starting in 1942, Buckingham Army Airfield was home to some 16,000 men and women supporting the United States' efforts in World War Two. Airplanes flew in the skies over Lee County and reflected off the waters of the Gulf of Mexico as tens of thousands of young men trained as aerial gunners. Learning to target and bring down enemy aircraft with their guns was critical to America's success in both the European and Pacific theaters. Just east of Rt 75 an entire town sprang up on what was once swampland. Barracks were built, along with stores, nightclubs, churches, and even a hospital.  Join Duane E. Shaffer for a look at an interesting chapter of Lee County history.