According to ezinesports, Airway Heights is a city located in Spokane County, Washington. It is located just west of Spokane, the county seat. The city was named after the nearby Fairchild Air Force Base and hosts a population of nearly 7,000 people.
Airway Heights has a rich history that dates back to the mid-1800s when the first settlers arrived in what would become Spokane County. The area was originally inhabited by the Spokane Tribe who lived off the land and hunted for food. After the establishment of Fort George Wright in 1882, more settlers began to arrive and settle in Airway Heights. The town was officially incorporated in 1914 and many of its original buildings still stand today as reminders of its past.
Airway Heights is known for its small-town charm and friendly atmosphere. Residents are proud to call this city their home, with many taking part in community events throughout the year such as summer concerts at Sunset Park or holiday celebrations like Winterfest or Oktoberfest. The city also offers numerous recreational activities including golf courses, parks, trails and lakeside beaches perfect for swimming or fishing during the summer months.
The economy of Airway Heights is largely based on military personnel stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base and their families who live in town or commute from nearby cities such as Spokane and Cheney. Additionally, there are several businesses located within Airway Heights’ borders that offer goods and services to local residents including retail stores, restaurants and automotive repair shops.
The education system in Airway Heights is overseen by West Valley School District which serves over 8200 students from kindergarten through 12th grade. There are two elementary schools – Sunset Elementary School and Highland Elementary School – one middle school – West Valley Middle School – one high school – West Valley High School – as well as several private schools within city limits such as St Francis Catholic School or Lakeside Academy for children with special needs.
Overall, Airway Heights is a great place to live with plenty of opportunities for residents to get involved with their community while still enjoying all that this small town has to offer from recreation options to educational facilities to local businesses that make up its vibrant economy. With a strong sense of pride among its citizens, it’s no wonder why so many call Airway Heights home.
History of Airway Heights, Washington
Airway Heights, Washington is located just west of Spokane and is a small city with a population of just over 9,000. It was originally known as West Plains, after the surrounding area that was part of the Spokane Indian Reservation. In 1941, the United States Army Air Corps established an airfield in the area to train pilots during World War II. The airfield was named Geiger Field after Major Harold Geiger who had been killed in action in the Philippines.
During World War II, Geiger Field housed over 4,000 personnel and had two runways. After the war ended in 1945, most of the personnel were discharged and the base was closed down. In 1950, it was reopened as a Strategic Air Command (SAC) base and renamed Fairchild Air Force Base in honor of General Muir S. Fairchild who had been appointed Chief of Staff for SAC in 1948.
The town that grew up around Fairchild Air Force Base came to be known as Airway Heights due to its proximity to Fairchild’s two airplane runways. The town incorporated in 1955 and continued to grow rapidly due to its close association with Fairchild AFB which remained active until 1994 when it was officially closed as part of military downsizing efforts following the end of the Cold War.
Today, Airway Heights is home to a variety of businesses including manufacturing plants, retail stores, restaurants and other services related to its close proximity to Spokane International Airport which is only five miles away from downtown Airway Heights. Additionally, Northern Quest Resort & Casino is located on tribal land within city limits providing jobs and entertainment for many locals as well as visitors from all over Washington state and beyond!
Although much has changed since its early days as West Plains/Geiger Field/Fairchild AFB, one thing remains constant – Airway Heights continues to be an important part of Spokane County’s economy and culture providing jobs for many local residents while also offering a variety of recreational activities such as camping at nearby Lake Roosevelt or visiting Northern Quest Resort & Casino for some fun!
