Ushering in new commerce for Santa Monica, the Los Angeles International Exchange Airport (LAX) built in 1928 and the Santa Monica Municipal Airport (SMO) built in 1922 made the small city an international name. Successfully circumnavigating the globe, the Douglas Aircraft Company tested and developed the World Cruiser Biplanes at SMO in 1924. (“Airport History,” nd.) The Federal Government leases most of the Santa Monica Airport to provide protection for the Douglas Aircraft Company in 1941, and expands the airfield to accommodate more full length parallel runways during the advent of World War II. ("SMO Timeline," nd.) The extension of the airfield meant the beach resort of the past was now a predominantly blue collar workforce, contributing to a shift in the City’s residents and community character. ("SMO Timeline," nd.) Santa Monica was directly impacted by Los Angeles’ growth as Los Angeles grew into the fourth largest city by the 1950s. ("Population of the 100 Largest Urban Places: 1950" 1998 ) And much like Borchert says, “Growth Breeds Growth.” (Borchert 1967, 301)
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References:
"Airport History." Santa Monica Municipal Airport. http://www.smgov.net/Departments/Airport/Airport_History.aspx
Borchert, J.R. "American Metropolitan Evolution."Geographical Review 57 (1967): 301-332
"Airport History." Santa Monica Municipal Airport. http://www.smgov.net/Departments/Airport/Airport_History.aspx
Borchert, J.R. "American Metropolitan Evolution."Geographical Review 57 (1967): 301-332