South Baldwin County has played a role in military training over the years. Foley’s contributions to World War II are highlighted in a new exhibit at the Foley Railroad Museum. The exhibit, focusing on Barin Field, commemorates the Navy aviator training base used during World War II and the Korean War. Barin Field opened Dec. 5, 1942, nearly a year after the Pearl Harbor attack brought the U.S. into the war.

The display includes photographs of Navy training at Barin Field, descriptions of the base and uniforms, equipment and other artifacts from Barin Field and the Navy during the period when it was an active base. Many of the items were provided by the descendants of Barin Field personnel who still live in the area.

The National Park Service named Foley as the American World War II Heritage City for Alabama. Only one community in each state or territory can receive this designation.

The World War II Heritage City program recognizes communities that made contributions to the war effort and that continue to recognize the sacrifices made by veterans and those on the home front during World War II. The program recognizes the historic importance of the United States’ domestic involvement in World War II and ensures the continued preservation of a defining period in American history. 

Barin Field was an auxiliary training center for the Navy’s Pensacola Air Station.

The field had a major impact on Foley. 

The town had a population of less than 900 in the 1940 census. In Barin Field’s first 24 months of operations, 5,795 students were entered in the field log. By 1945, 1,886 enlisted personnel and 165 officers were assigned to the field. 

Barin Field was closed in 1947, but was reactivated as a base during the Korean Conflict and remains in use as a Navy practice site.

Foley plans additional museum exhibits commemorating Barin Field, Foley’s involvement in World War II and the community’s history. The city continues to seek photographs, artifacts, letters and other items to include in upcoming displays.