One of the world’s largest wooden WWII blimp hangars is in danger of being bulldozed on the Oregon coast
Title: Oregon Coast’s Massive WWII Blimp Hangar Faces Bulldozer Threat: The Fight to Save a Historic Landmark
Meta Description: One of the world’s largest wooden WWII blimp hangars on Oregon’s coast is at risk of demolition. Learn its history, why it’s endangered, and how preservationists are fighting to save it.
Oregon’s WWII Blimp Hangar: A Historic Giant on the Brink of Destruction
Perched on the windswept shores of the Oregon Coast, the looming wooden skeleton of Hangar A at the former Naval Air Station Tillamook (NAS Tillamook) stands as a monument to WWII innovation. Once a critical defense asset, this colossal structure—one of the world’s largest wooden buildings—now faces an uncertain future. With redevelopment plans looming, preservationists are racing against time to save this irreplaceable piece of American history from the bulldozer.
A National Treasure Built for War
Constructed in 1942 as the U.S. braced for WWII, NAS Tillamook’s twin blimp hangars (Hangars A and B) were engineering marvels. Built in a staggering 27 days, their purpose was clear: to house K-class Navy blimps that patrolled the Pacific Coast for Japanese submarines, protected convoys, and conducted search-and-rescue missions.
Key Facts About Hangar A:
- Size: 1,072 feet long, 296 feet wide, and 192 feet tall—covering 7 acres under its curved wooden roof.
- Materials: Built entirely of Douglas fir, using 2 million board feet of lumber—enough to build a 50-mile fence.
- Survivor: Hangar B was destroyed in a 1992 fire, making Hangar A the sole remaining structure of its kind on the West Coast.
Today, Hangar A sits at the heart of the Tillamook Air Museum, drawing thousands of visitors annually to explore exhibits on WWII aviation and the U.S. Navy’s little-known “Blimp Wars.”
Why Is This Oregon Landmark in Danger?
Despite its historical significance, Hangar A’s future hangs in the balance. The Port of Tillamook Bay, which manages the property, has debated the hangar’s fate for years. Structural concerns and the high cost of upkeep—estimated at $30+ million for repairs—have put it at risk. Developers argue the land could be repurposed for lucrative industrial or logistics use, but critics say demolition would erase a vital link to Oregon’s wartime legacy.
The Preservation Battle
Local advocacy groups like Friends of Hangar A and the Oregon Historical Society are leading the charge to save the hangar, citing its:
- Cultural value: One of few surviving WWII blimp bases in the U.S.
- Architectural significance: A rare example of wartime “fast-track” construction.
- Tourist appeal: An iconic Oregon Coast destination generating revenue for Tillamook County.
In 2022, the hangar earned a spot on the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s “Most Endangered” list, amplifying calls for emergency funding.
How Can You Help Save Hangar A?
Preservationists urge immediate action:
- Donate: Funds are needed for conservation studies and repairs.
- Advocate: Contact Oregon lawmakers to prioritize heritage grants.
- Visit: Tourism revenue proves the hangar’s economic viability.
- Share Awareness: Use hashtags like #SaveHangarA to boost visibility.
Conclusion: A Legacy Worth Fighting For
Bulldozing Hangar A wouldn’t just demolish wood and steel—it would erase a chapter of American resilience. As historian John Terry noted, “These hangars represent an era when the Oregon Coast stood on the front lines of defense.” With public support, this WWII giant can be preserved as a beacon of history, education, and community pride.
Act now—before Oregon’s skyline loses a legend.
Keywords: WWII blimp hangar Oregon, Tillamook Air Museum, Hangar A demolition threat, historic preservation Oregon Coast, save NAS Tillamook, endangered historical sites, Oregon WWII landmarks.
