A prisoner-of-war camp once sat on this award-winning airport

Countries & Cities · Published 13 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is now a global leader in aviation excellence, but its grounds hold a darker history. During World War II, the site served as a detention center for over 3,000 prisoners of war, where escaped German captives were often stunned by the local community just beyond the wire.

The airport's evolution is marked by significant shifts in purpose and scale. Established in 1920 as Hamilton Airport, it was purchased by Milwaukee County in 1926. By 1941, it was renamed General Mitchell Field to honor Brigadier General William "Billy" Mitchell, a native air power advocate often called the father of the U.S. Air Force. While it serves as a primary commercial hub today—recognized as one of the best airports in the world by Airports Council International in 2023—its mid-century history was defined by military necessity.

During World War II, the facility was leased to the War Department on January 4, 1945, to house a prisoner-of-war camp. This installation held more than 3,000 prisoners and 250 enlisted men. A notable historical irony of this period was that escaped German prisoners were frequently surprised to find a large German American population living just outside the perimeter fence. The site also holds a somber aviation legacy; in December 1954, a Miller Brewing Company plane crashed shortly after takeoff, claiming the lives of company president Fred Miller and his son.

Today, the airport balances commercial growth with complex logistical management. It currently operates one terminal with two concourses and 38 gates, serving as a medium-hub primary facility. Recent developments include a major project started in September 2025 to redevelop Concourse E into an international terminal by 2027. Additionally, the site hosts the General Mitchell Air National Guard Base, where approximately 1,000 personnel operate Boeing KC-135R Stratotankers for both federal and state missions.

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