Scott Air Force Base began as a flying field during World War I, prompted by businessmen and politicians on each side of the Mississippi River.
The construction had already started when the government stated that the airfield would be named after the first military person to be killed in an aviation accident, Corporal Frank Scott, on July 20, 1917.
The base was established with modest beginnings, spanning 624 acres, but now encompasses 3,589 acres and 57 miles of roadways. Scott Air Field was one of 32 Air Service training camps that was created after the US entered World War I.
Today, the base employs nearly 15,000 personnel, including active duty, Air National Guard, Reserves, and civilians. Of that personnel, 44,118 live in Belleville; 29,031 live in Fallon, and Mascoutah is home to 7,963 military personnel.
Scott Air Force Base’s primary mission is global mobility, commanding and controlling all logistics of the US military on land, across the sea, and in the air.
The base and its surrounding areas have a strong school system, an expansive public transportation system, and plenty of things to do including classic entertainment like movies, bowling, and skating as well as museums, theaters, art galleries, farms and orchards, restaurants, ample shopping, and more.
And, with its proximity to St. Louis and other nearby cities, there’s no end to the entertainment and recreation available to residents surrounding Scott Air Force Base.
The Location of Scott Air Force Base in Illinois
Scott Air Force Base, a United States military base, is housed in southern Illinois, about 20 miles east of St. Louis, the largest city near the base.
Belleville and Shiloh also surround Scott Air Force Base, as well as Mascoutah, and Fallon.
The base is included in the “Metro-East” region of the greater St. Louis area.
The visitor control center and the main gate are located on Seibert Road, 1.5 miles southeast of I64, at Route 158.
Homes for Sale Near Scott Air Force Base
Education Near Scott Air Force Base
Education is of high priority in and around Scott Air Force Base and surrounding areas.
While there are no primary, middle, or high schools on base, students who live on base attend schools governed by the Mascoutah Community Unit School District 19.
Mascoutah Community Unit School District 19 manages four schools for students who live on base, including Scott Elementary School, Shiloh Elementary School, Mascoutah Middle School, and Mascoutah High.
Also near the base is Hope Christian Academy Private School serving grades PK-8.
Students living off base attend schools in surrounding areas. Six school districts serve the areas around Scott Air Force Base, including Belleville School District, St. Clair County Public Schools, Cahokia Unit School District, East St. Louis Public Schools, O’Fallon CC School District, and Central School District.
Adult education also garners much attention at Scott Air Force Base via the Southwestern Illinois College campus on base. It is open to service members and civilians with tuition benefits for students with a military affiliation.
The McKendree University at the Center at Scott Air Force Base is custom-tailored to adult learners. At McKendree University, students can earn a Bachelor of Business Administration with a focus on accounting, business administration, management, and marketing. Or, they can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems or Computer Science.
Public Transportation Around Scott Air Force Base
The Shiloh-Scott rail station, also known as St. Louis Metrolink, connects the base with direct trains to downtown St. Louis on the Red Line.
Single ride or all-day passes are accessible via vending machines situated on the platforms. Service is also provided to the Clayton area, Clair County’s Illinois suburbs.
For air travel, locals and guests fly in and out of the MidAmerica St. Louis Airport adjacent to the base, or Lambert-St. Louis International Airport, 38 miles from Scott Air Force Base.
The Climate Around Scott Air Force Base
Scott Air Force Base has the privilege of celebrating all four seasons in full glory. During summer, temperatures hover in the low 90s while winter temperatures fall into the teens.
Scott Air Force Base receives approximately 38 inches of rain per year, and around a foot of snow.
Conclusion
Living near Scott Air Force Base offers many benefits. The area is proud of its public schools, transportation system, businesses, health care facilities, churches, parks, and neighborhoods.
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