This former farmland became the center of Madison aviation from 1926 to 1938 as the site of an airplane landing field, hangars, flying schools, and stunt shows, largely through Howard Morey's efforts and his founding of Madison Airways Corporation. Later known as Royal Airways Corporation, it provided the first passenger service to Chicago, while Northwest Airways Inc. provided the first airmail service from the field. The 100 foot wide hangar, built in 1926, could house 17 planes. Then called Pennco Field, the airport welcomed Charles Lindbergh and the Spirit of St. Louis during a triumphal visit to Madison in 1927, three months after his historic trans-Atlantic solo flight. He circled the field three times and then banked into a perfect landing at exactly 2:00 PM. Lindbergh returned to Madison in 1928 to receive an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws, and on each visit he strongly advocated the commercial development of aviation in Madison.