In a hands‑on effort to safeguard a fading chapter of American aviation, the Wyoming Aviation Heritage League has completed the restoration of the first concrete navigation arrow in the state. The arrow, located just west of Cheyenne on privately owned land, was cleared of cracked cement, repainted bright yellow, and now points directly toward Cheyenne Regional Airport.
Why the arrows matter
During the 1920s, the U.S. Post Office and the Bureau of Lighthouses erected a network of concrete arrows—some as long as 70 feet—to guide airmail pilots across the country. Positioned roughly every ten miles along the Salt Lake‑to‑Omaha (SL‑O) airway, these arrows were the only visual navigation aid available to early aviators flying low over the open prairie.
Local volunteers lead the way
The restoration began when a local landowner west of Cheyenne granted permission for the project and rolled up his sleeves to start the work himself. League members followed, removing loose cement, repairing cracks, and applying fresh, high‑visibility paint. The effort reflects a broader mission: to make these historic markers visible again for today’s private pilots who enjoy flying the historic route as a bucket‑list experience.
More arrows to come
Wyoming’s portion of the SL‑O airway originally featured 40 concrete arrows and beacon towers spaced about ten miles apart. With the first arrow now restored, 39 remain to be tackled. The league hopes the restored arrows will serve both as functional visual cues for modern pilots and as educational landmarks for residents interested in the state’s aviation heritage.
Preserving related heritage sites
Beyond the arrows, the Wyoming Aviation Heritage League is also working to preserve other historic aviation sites, including the old terminal in Cheyenne. Plans are under way to convert the terminal into a museum that could house a restaurant and additional attractions, further enriching the community’s cultural landscape.
Historical context of the route
The SL‑O airway passed through towns such as Cheyenne, Medicine Bow, and Rock Springs, which served as refueling and repair stops for early airmail pilots. At the time, pilots navigated by following Union Pacific railroad tracks and the concrete arrows, often flying at low altitude to stay within sight of these guides. The route was fraught with danger; many aircraft crashed due to weather, mechanical failure, or the rudimentary nature of the planes themselves.
Resources for enthusiasts
Those interested in learning more can visit the Wyoming Aviation Heritage League’s Facebook page, which features photos, videos, and updates on the restoration progress. The page also highlights the historic Medicine Bow airport, where an arrow still stands beside the original beacon tower and building.
Supporting local heritage
Restoring these arrows aligns with Wyoming’s broader commitment to preserving its unique history and supporting the aviation community. By reviving these once‑essential waypoints, the league not only honors the daring pilots of the past but also provides a tangible link for today’s aviators and history enthusiasts.
For more information, contact the Wyoming Aviation Heritage League or follow their social media channels for upcoming restoration milestones.
Original reporting: K2 Radio (Casper) — read the source article.
