Souther Field began as a training field for the Army Air Corps at the beginning of World War I. After the war, the Government sold surplus Jenny aircraft to the public. One of the people that came to purchase a Jenny was Charles Lindbergh. According to Mr. Lindbergh autobiography, he had flown but not soloed when he bought his Jenny at Souther Field. He sat on a water tower here and observed the takeoffs and landings for a while before hiring an instructor and soloing here. About 3 years later, he made the historic Atlantic crossing.
When World War II started, England needed a facility to train pilots since they were an island and very near Germany, they opted for Souther Field and the US Military activated the field and contracted with Graham Aviation to train British and American pilots. When World War II ended, the field was deeded to the state of Georgia and the first aviation mechanics school was started. That school grew into what is now, South Georgia Technical College. They remain one of the most renowned aviation technician schools in the country and now offer multiple training courses.
The state divided the old training field and gave the City of Americus and Sumter County the eastern portion to be used as the local airport. From a round landing field in 1948 to an ultra modern Community Airport with a 6200' runway with an ILS Approach, parallel taxiways, and a 4000' crosswind paved runway, new terminal building and ample ramp and hangers, we have one of the most modern airports in the Southeastern US.