Why Oklahoma City’s Airport is Called Will Rogers World Airport

Oklahoma City’s airport is officially known as Will Rogers World Airport. This name honors the famous American humorist, actor, and social commentator, Will Rogers, who hailed from the state. The airport was officially renamed in 1941 to recognize Rogers' significant contributions to American culture and his deep connection to Oklahoma. This article explores the reasons behind this unique naming and sheds light on the historical context that makes it fitting.

Pioneering Media Personality

In the 1920s and early 1930s, Will Rogers was the King of All Media, defining the term with his versatile talents. He hosted radio shows, wrote movie scripts, and penned newspaper columns. Rogers' meteoric rise to fame and his enduring popularity in Oklahoma create a unique bond between the state and the man whose name graces the airport. " "

However, the name 'Will Rogers World Airport' serves not just as a tribute, but also as a marketing tactic. The 'World' part of the name is a misnomer in a technical sense, but it works well for enticing travelers with the promise of seeing the globe. 'See the World! [after a brief layover in Chicago, New York, Miami, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, etc.]' This sounds significantly more appealing than something more accurate like 'OKC, Semi-Regional Airplane-Stop.'

Not an International Airport

Despite the name, Will Rogers World Airport is not an International Airport. To be considered an international airport, a given airport must have flights that fly directly to other countries. No flights from OKC go directly to any other country; rather, travelers can fly from OKC to major hubs like Dallas/Fort Worth, New York, and Los Angeles, and then connect to international destinations.

Name Honors Will Rogers

The airport was named to honor Will Rogers, a native son of Oklahoma. Will Rogers, alas, met his untimely end in a plane crash in Alaska in 1935, along with another Okie, Willard 'Pierce' Post. The name 'Will Rogers World Airport' signifies that you can reach almost anywhere in the world starting from Will Rogers World Airport.

Why More Than Just Will Rogers

Some argue that the name also reflects Will Rogers' love for flying. However, given that he also died in a plane crash, the sentiment reflects a broader admiration for a civic hero who captured the spirit of the American spirit. People in Oklahoma may feel a bit uneasy with two major airports named after men killed in plane accidents. Both the Wiley Post Airport and the renamed Will Rogers World Airport are tributes to aviation pioneers, each with a tragic end.

Additional Context and Quotable Wisdom

Will Rogers was known nationwide, if not worldwide, as 'the Cowboy Philosopher,' but in Oklahoma, he is referred to as 'Oklahoma's favorite son. He was a Cherokee cowboy who performed rope tricks and sketched humor in his columns. His wit often had a sarcastic edge. Here's a famous quote by Will Rogers:

The only difference between death and taxes is that death doesn’t get worse every time Congress meets.

This quote encapsulates Rogers' sharp, incisive style—a reflection of his enduring impact on American culture and humor.