Oregon’s Hughes Flying Boat, the “Spruce Goose,” relisted in National Register of Historic Places

Oregon – With its relist in the National Register of Historic Places, the Hughes Flying Boat—also commonly known as the “Spruce Goose—has once more established its place in history. Now housed at the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in McMinnville, this aviation giant is evidence of American creativity and the aspirational vision of Howard R. Hughes, Jr.

Following a recommendation from Oregon’s State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation during their October 2023 conference, this enormous acknowledgement was finalized on October 15, 2024. Celebrating its unquestionable historical importance, the National Park Service—responsible for preserving the National Register—reversed the status of the Hughes Flying Boat.

Designed during the years following World War II, the Hughes Flying Boat (H-4 Hercules) marks a singular chapter in aviation history. Designed as a prototype, the aircraft was a daring experiment in engineering. Under the direction of Howard Hughes himself, the biggest seaplane, wooden aircraft, and propeller-driven plane ever built flew just once on November 2, 1947.

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Beyond its brief flight in the the sky, the aircraft became a main testing ground for ground-breaking aviation innovations. It first presented ideas like better flight controls, redundant fire suppression systems, and lightweight yet strong building using Duramold wood composite between 1947 and 1953. These developments would finally affect the safety procedures and design of big aircraft in the next years.

Long Beach, California, saw the Hughes Flying Boat remain until 1992 following its historic voyage. Its move to Oregon marked a turning point in its path but unintentionally resulted in its delisting from the National Register because of National Park Service administrative problems. carefully rebuilt at McMinnville, the airplane became the crown jewel of the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in 2001. Its relisting corrects administrative oversight and restores formal national treasure recognition.

The Hughes Flying Boat’s importance to historians and the general public as well as to aviation enthusiasts is highlighted by its listing on the National Register. The airplane gains safeguards and possibilities meant to preserve its heritage as part of the Register. National Register listed properties qualify for federal and state tax incentives, grants for historic preservation, and consideration in federally-funded projects. They are also subject to municipal conservation rules guaranteeing their ongoing care and may be excused in following specific building regulations.

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Oregon law helps to further preserve these historical sites. Local governments are tasked with providing a baseline level of protection, but the methods and extent of conservation efforts are left to their discretion. This implies ongoing care of a globally important piece of aviation history for McMinnville and the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum.

Apart from being a wonder of engineering, the Hughes Flying Boat is the only aircraft on Oregon’s National Register of Historic Places designated individually. Its relisting underlines the state’s determination to protect its unique historical treasures and emphasizes Oregon’s part in conserving American cultural and technological legacy.

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Established under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Register of Historic Places helps to recognize and guard sites of great importance all over the country. From architectural icons to mechanical wonders like the Hughes Flying Boat, these contributions capture the shared narrative of the nation. The relisting of the H-4 Hercules supports not only Oregon’s heritage but also the larger story of American invention and ambition.

Resources under the “Designate” section of oregonheritage.org are available for individuals seeking more details about this historic aircraft and Oregon’s other listings.

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The narrative of the Spruce Goose motivates an entirely new appreciation for the audacious aspirations and determination that define America’s path into the sky as it once again takes its proper place among the most beloved historic places in the country.