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How William Boeing’s foresight kept the company close to D.C.

Boeing established its Washington, D.C., office just one year after the company’s founding to help shape aviation.

February 27, 2026 in History

“I have come to the conclusion that we must have someone on the ground [in Washington, D.C.] at all times to keep in touch with what is going on.”
William Boeing, company founder and president, 1917

William Boeing formed Pacific Aero Products Co. on July 15, 1916, one month to the day after the company’s first aircraft, the B & W, made its first flight. In the spring of 1917, he renamed the company Boeing Airplane Co. and at the same time started to see great potential for aircraft use in mail delivery and with the military. Anticipating that the U.S. government would become one of Boeing’s prime customers, he decided to set up shop in Washington, D.C., that same year.

Boeing's early operations in D.C. were driven by pioneering individuals who connected with industry peers, procured essential materials, and navigated government requirements. This dedicated team played a pivotal role in selling military aircraft, securing vital airmail contracts, and shaping the future of aviation.

A black and white photo of the Model C, a biplane seaplane, sitting in the water at a dock. James Foley, Boeing’s first employee in Washington, D.C., played a key role in securing the company’s first government contract: a U.S. Navy order for 50 Model C trainers. (Photo Boeing Archives)
A black and white photo of three Model 40A mailplanes, biplanes, lined up on a field. George Tidmarsh, one of Boeing’s early D.C. representatives, negotiated two contracts that secured the company’s future: the 1923 contract to build the Boeing PW-9 pursuit fighter and the 1927 contract to carry the mail between San Francisco and Chicago, which called for the manufacture of 25 Model 40As. Pictured are Model 40As at Boeing Field.(Photo Boeing Archives)

James Murray, who led the D.C. office from 1928 to 1961, witnessed remarkable advancements in aviation technology. His goals encompassed maintaining relationships with government officials, providing vital information to government customers, promoting international sales, monitoring legislation and engaging with the media.

A scan of a report reading: DAILY REPORT – J.P.. Murray Nov. 23, 1932 Met Mr. Egtvedt at The Shoreham. We discussed the Bureau’s attitude and interest as revealed to me by various Bureau officers in the XF6B-1 and the Navy High Speed projects. At the office we checked up on the amount of data already submitted on the high speed contract under Item 1. Called Comdr. Webster at Buair to make an appointment. He advised that the Bureau would have a half holiday in the afternoon and that he expected to be at Anacostia at 2:30 to see Joyce demonstrate the OJ-2 with the Zapp flaps. Called Capt. Elmendorf at the Air Corps. He could not have lunch with Mr. Egtvedt and me because Burdette Wright had invited him and several other Air Corps officers to the Metropolitan Club for lunch. Arranged a meeting with Elmendorf at his place at 5pm. Drove to Anacostia and we saw Joyce land his observation plane equipped with Flaps in a space of 150 ft. Various officers discussed the advantages of such devices on planes landing aboard the Carriers. Joyce did a very nice job of demonstrating slow landings and show rolls in the air. Webster called me at N.A.S. about 3:30 to say that he had found it impossible to get over and asked that we come in and see him on Friday morning. Called on Elmendorf with Mr. Egtvedt but failed to get an opportunity to discuss the subject of the delay in Pursuit plane negotiations as Capt and Mrs Meloy were visitors at the Elmendorfs. Wired Chicago for information on pilots’ insurance carried by UAL – this for Commerce (Fiske Marshall’s request). George Tidmarsh, one of Boeing’s early D.C. representatives, negotiated two contracts that secured the company’s future: the 1923 contract to build the Boeing PW-9 pursuit fighter and the 1927 contract to carry the mail between San Francisco and Chicago, which called for the manufacture of 25 Model 40As. Pictured are Model 40As at Boeing Field. (Photo Boeing Archives)

During World War II, Murray played a key role in negotiating contracts for defense aircraft, ensuring the nation's security. In peacetime, he championed the emerging industry of commercial air travel, contributing to Boeing’s postwar survival.

A black and white photo of dozens of B-17 Flying Fortresses lined up for production inside a factory The B-17 Flying Fortress contract benefited from Murray’s negotiations. It played a vital role in the Allied victory. (Photo Boeing Archives)

As Boeing grew, so did the D.C. office, with a dedicated team specialized in federal systems and regulations. They kept customers informed about government developments impacting the company’s business while ensuring it fulfilled military and federal needs with excellence.

This team played a role in all of Boeing’s interests, promoting the development and sale of commercial airplanes and securing government contracts for defense and space ventures.

A color photo of the first Boeing 707, a yellow and red commercial jet, taking off. Dash 80: D.C. staff obtained permission to develop both military and commercial versions of the groundbreaking Model 367-80 or "Dash 80" prototype, securing the future of the famed "7 Series" of commercial airplanes. (Photo Boeing Archives)
A black and white photo of the Saturn V rocket taking off. After NASA selected Boeing to develop the first-stage booster for the Saturn V rocket, the company’s new Aerospace Division sent a crew to D.C. to coordinate its activities with government officials. (Photo Boeing Archives)

"This office is the single best example of a microcosm of The Boeing Company, in which every element of the company is represented,” said Boris Mishel, Boeing vice president and director of the D.C. office in 1989.

In 2014, Boeing opened the Long Bridge facility in Arlington, Virginia. Boeing Defense, Space & Security headquarters moved to Arlington in 2016, returning to St. Louis in 2026. The D.C. area remains a key part of Boeing’s business. In 2022, Long Bridge became the global headquarters, offering proximity to customers and stakeholders and providing access to world-class engineering and technical talent. A Veterans Wall was installed in 2025, honoring the military service of Boeing employees.

A color photo of an office building. Boeing Long Bridge (Photo Boeing Archives)

In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Boeing is supporting the National Archives’ Freedom Plane National Tour. The Freedom Plane will depart from Washington, D.C., in March, and its final stop will be Seattle in July, linking the two Washingtons once again.