Constructed closer to
Manhattan than the commercially unsuccessful Floyd Bennett Field, LaGuardia Airport was conceived in the mid-1930s as New York City mayor
Fiorello LaGuardia realized the need for a great airport for one of the world’s great cities. Originally known as New York Municipal Airport, the popular airport soon had its name changed to recognize LaGuardia’s enormous contribution to the project. At the time of its opening in 1939, it was the largest and most advanced commercial airport in the world with terminals considered art deco masterpieces. Although a very large airport for the era in which it was built, by the late 1940s it was the world’s busiest airport and clearly too small for the increasing amount of air traffic. Through the years its runways were lengthened and facilities were improved to handle larger and faster aircraft. Still one of America’s busiest airports, LaGuardia has witnessed the steady progress of American commercial aviation, from flying boats to jetliners.
Background Information
Manhattan Borough is essentially the Island of Manhattan, site of New Amsterdam and the commercial center of New York City. Fiorello La Guardia was elected mayor of New York City in 1933, running as a fusion candidate in opposition to the entrenched Tammany Hall machines.
