ORD: The Airport with a Surprising Past
Who Ordered This Airport Code?
You’ve probably seen it a million times on your flight tickets: ORD. It’s the code for Chicago O’Hare International Airport. But have you ever wondered why it’s called ORD? I mean, it’s not exactly the most intuitive airport code, is it? Let's dive into the fascinating history of this perplexing three-letter abbreviation.
Orchard Field: The Airport's Humble Beginnings
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Believe it or not, O’Hare didn’t start out as O’Hare. It was originally called Orchard Field. Yes, you read that right. An airport named after a place where you'd expect to find apple trees, not airplanes. It was established in 1945 on the site of a Douglas Corporation aircraft assembly plant. So, the name Orchard Field actually made some sense back then.
ORD: A Code with a Story
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When the airport was initially named Orchard Field, it was assigned the code ORD. Now, here’s where things get interesting. Even though the airport was renamed O’Hare in 1949 to honor a war hero, the code ORD stuck around like a stubborn gnat. So, next time you’re wondering why ORD doesn’t make any sense, just remember: it’s a leftover from the airport’s orchard days.
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O’Hare: A Fitting Tribute
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While we’re on the subject of names, let’s give a quick shoutout to the man the airport is named after: Edward “Butch” O’Hare. This guy was a total badass. He was the U.S. Navy’s first Medal of Honor recipient in World War II, known for his incredible aerial combat skills. It’s fitting that a major airport bears his name.
So, Next Time You’re at ORD...
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Remember, the next time you’re stuck in a long line at O’Hare, take a moment to appreciate the airport's history. From humble beginnings as Orchard Field to its current status as a bustling international hub, ORD has come a long way. And while the code might be confusing, the airport’s story is definitely worth knowing.
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| Why Is Chicago Airport Called Ord |
How to... ORD Trivia
- How to impress your travel buddies: Drop some ORD trivia at your next airport hangout.
- How to remember the ORD code: Think "Orchard" for ORD.
- How to cope with O’Hare delays: Channel your inner Butch O’Hare and stay calm under pressure.
- How to find your way around ORD: Use the airport's website or app for the latest updates.
- How to enjoy your Chicago layover: Explore the city, even if it's just for a short time.
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