McCook Field Historic Marker, 1967. Photo by Al Wilson, Journal Herald photographer. The sign reads: “McCook Field, ‘The Cradle of Aviation.’ McCook Field was established as a research and development facility of the U.S. Army Signal COrps Aviation Section 18 October, 1917. This Dayton site, favorably located within the U.S. industrial complex, became the Aviation Engineering and Development Station and Proving Ground with the entry into World War I. It was the ‘Cradle of Aviation’ for ten years. As airplanes became faster and heavier, a huge sign warned aviators…’This field is small, use it all,’ and soon the 254 acre McCook Field became inadequate. On 12 October 1927, on more than 4000 acres donated by Dayton citizenry, Wright Field was dedicated and that site became the new center of U.S. military aviation experimental efforts.” The sign was erected by the Dayton Foundation and the Montgomery County Historical Society.