Ben Elbert Douglas Sr.
mayor, airport namesake
Charlotte mayor (1935–41) whose push built the municipal airport that carries his name.
In the record (2)
1949
The first section of Independence Boulevard, North Carolina's first urban expressway, opened to traffic after Charlotte voters approved a $200,000 bond issue in 1946 that was paired with over $2 million in federal highway funds.
Unverified — sourced but not confirmed against a primary record.
Source · checked 2026-08-15
1954
A new two-story passenger terminal opened at Charlotte's municipal airport, named for former mayor Ben Elbert Douglas Sr., as postwar commercial aviation expanded and jet-age travel came within reach of the public.
Source · checked 2026-08-15