Dale Hartsfield | What's In A Name

It is hard to believe that the Atlanta airport has come from such humble beginnings to the world’s busiest in less than 80 years. The history of this great airport began in 1923 (some accounts say 1924). Then mayor, Walter Sims asked a newly elected young city alderman, William B. Hartsfield, to check into possibilities about where the city could build an airport. In 1923, most people probably would have asked, “What is an airport?” But, Hartsfield was already in love with the thought of flying and wanted Atlanta to have a first class airport.

Hartsfield had seen his first plane back in 1909 at Candler Racetrack, where Atlanta’s airport would eventually be built. Candler racetrack was owned by Asa Candler, of Coca Cola fame.

Dale was the family spokesperson for the Hartsfield family during the "renaming" of the Atlanta airport. The name Hartsfield International speakers is certainly tied to the name of the world’s busiest airport. People have told Dale that he failed in fighting City Hall. "On the contrary" Dale said, "if we had not fought, today it would be Jackson International. Other family members and I fought to honor our relative, William B. Hartsfield's name."