Presented by Springfield-Branson National Airport
This post was paid for and produced by Springfield-Branson National Airport. The Daily Citizen newsroom was not involved in the creation of this content.
The Springfield-Branson National Airport has over a seven-decades runway of presidential history.
When people find out that a president is coming to Springfield, we always get this question: “Has a president ever been at the Springfield airport?”
A few. Airports are places where the eddies and back currents of presidential history converge.
Here’s a list of presidents who’ve been at our airport. Several have visited more than once. We’ve thrown in a few presidential-related visits as well. While this may not be a complete list, it’s just the ones that we have documented.
Visiting Presidents
Six sitting presidents have visited the SGF airport and include Harry S Truman, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush and Donald J. Trump.
Gerald Ford, 1976
President Gerald Ford arrives at airport, 1976. The aircraft serving as Air Force One is tail number “SAM 27000.” It’s now on permanent display at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. (Image provided by Springfield-Branson National Airport)
President Ford works the crowds at the airport during his 1976 visit. Note the old terminal in the background at 5000 W. Kearney Street. (Image provided by Springfield-Branson National Airport)
President Ford shakes hands with supporters during his 1976 visit. Note the old Tower Control building in the background. (Image provided by Springfield-Branson National Airport)
George W. Bush, 2006
President George W. Bush salutes before ascending the stairs to board Air Force One. (Image provided by Springfield-Branson National Airport)
President George W. Bush waves before entering Air Force One. (Image provided by Springfield-Branson National Airport)
Donald J. Trump, 2017
President Donald Trump arrives at the airport, August 2017. (Image provided by Springfield-Branson National Airport)
Vice-Presidents and First Ladies:
Richard Nixon visited Springfield, Missouri, in 1960. Later, in 1970, his wife, Pat Nixon visited. In 2006, Vice President Dick Cheney visited the Springfield-Branson National Airport. First Lady Michelle Obama also visited the Springfield Airport in 2013.
Vice President Dick Cheney arrives at the airport, April 2006. (Image provided by Springfield-Branson National Airport)
Even though the Springfield-Branson National Airport is nearly 900 miles from Washington, D.C., by air, we've been honored and privileged over seven decades to welcome some of the nation's most powerful leaders and civil servants.
Note: This post has been updated to remove several photos that were published without permission of the owner.
This post was paid for and produced by the Springfield-Branson National Airport, an Executive Partner of the Hauxeda. The Daily Citizen newsroom was not involved in the creation of this content. To be accepted, sponsored content must be consistent with the news or features topics, and the Springfield-centric geography, of the Daily Citizen. For questions or information about sponsored content, please contact Daily Citizen CEO David Stoeffler at dstoeffler@hauxeda.com. To become a Daily Citizen partner, please contact Partnership Sales Manager John Tate at jtate@hauxeda.com
