| The building of a military base has both an immediate and long-term effect on the local economy that surrounds it. Studying the history of a military base provides a unique perspective on how local economies both affect and are affected by militarism. The history of Ellington Field, from 1917--2003, spans the entire period of military aviation as well as the development of the Space Program. The study of Ellington Field offers a smaller focus on larger national issues that wove through eight decades of United States' history: Segregation, desegregation, women's pre- and post war roles, women in the military, the effect of military service on families, and the impact of a military base on the local community were a few of these issues. From the home front issues of WWI to the Homeland Security preparations of 2001, the policies and procedures developed at Ellington Field have reflected both national and local trends and themes. |
