Loring Air Force Base Arch Hangar

The Loring Air Force Base Arch Hangar is a large aircraft hangar with a distinctive arched concrete structure in Limestone, Maine. The building spans approximately 340 feet wide and 314 feet long, with a curved roof design that creates an open interior space free of support columns.

The hangar was built between 1947 and 1949 as part of post-war American military expansion. It served the Strategic Air Command during the Cold War as a hub for long-range aircraft operations and nuclear deterrence missions.

The structure shows how Americans wanted to demonstrate military strength after World War II through bold engineering. The arched shape became a symbol of technological progress and industrial capability during that era.

Visitors should know the site is on a former military base where access may be limited to certain areas. It helps to contact local authorities or heritage organizations beforehand to learn what parts are available to see.

The hangar was created through a single continuous concrete pour lasting 26 hours, which was a remarkable engineering feat at the time. This method allowed workers to form twelve separate arched sections that connected to create the structure's distinctive shape.