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USA South
OAK RIDGE, TENNESSEE, USA – Just taking a quick glance at Oak Ridge, Tennessee today, you would have no idea that back in 1942 the town went from a population of 0 to 75,000 in a mere six months. Despite the fact that all those people – men, women, and children lived, worked, and went about their daily lives in Oak Ridge, and that it was the fifth largest city in the state of Tennessee, the city could not be found on any map. They all were keeping a secret.
If it sounds like real X-Files type stuff, it is. In an effort to bring an end to World War II, three cities were chosen to be part of the top-secret “Manhattan Project” which would produce the world’s first atomic weapons. Those cities were Los Alamos, New Mexico; Hanford, Washington; and Oak Ridge, Tennessee, which was built specifically for this reason.
In the 1940’s, Y-12 was a monumental success over seemingly insurmountable obstacles, and the new material that was produced there changed the world forever.
When today’s leaders give excuses for why things can’t be accomplished, they should look at Oak Ridge, where so much was accomplished, by an enormous work force, in complete secrecy, in an amazingly short amount of time.
When visiting the Oak Ridge area, tourists need to be prepared to ingest significant helpings of pro-nuke propaganda along with the facts of history. After all, this industry has supported the residents of this region for generations. Regardless of which side of this controversial political issue you fall on, a visit to Oak Ridge will provide a valuable learning experience that can really cement your feelings and back you up with the data to successfully argue your position.
The Secrets Begin
Before the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers bought 59,000 acres back in 1942, family farms, some over a century old, populated this scenic area of Appalachia. About 3,000 persons resided in approximately 1,000 homes scattered throughout the communities of Scarboro, Wheat, Elza and Robertsville. Some families, like those of John Rice Irwin, founder of the Museum of Appalachia found themselves uprooted by the federal government not once, but twice -- first for the building of Norris dam(pictured at right) and later again for the construction of Oak Ridge.
The dam, an FDR “New Deal” construction project, was a big factor in why the government located this project in Oak Ridge, as it provided abundant power and water. The topography which helped hide construction and aided in security also helped make Oak Ridge the perfect physical spot to construct an entire city and three manufacturing plants of unprecedented scope.
To get an idea of what this area was like before the Manhattan Project, take a little time to visit the Lenoir Museum. In fact, plan to take along a picnic as the museum is located in the gorgeous Norris Dam State Park, which makes a great lunch stop. You could even enjoy your al fresco feast beside an authentic 18th century rice mill’s churning waterwheel (pictured left).
Located on the shores of Norris Lake the park features 700 miles of shoreline, first class fishing, boating, and camping, and miles of scenic hiking trails that wind through lush forests and majestic ridges.
Inside the Lenoir Museum you’ll find artifacts from the region’s previous residents including the Appalachian farmers who were displaced by the building of the Norris Dam, along with the Native American people who populated this land long before.
The Secrets Unfold and Continue
Three facilities, each identified by a code name, were built in the Oak Ridge complex, which at the time was called the Clinton Engineering Works (C.E.W.) after the nearby town of Clinton. This work was performed under the direction of the Manhattan District of the Corps of Engineers which had been formed in June 1942 to oversee the entire atomic weapons program.
The original community was planned to accommodate about 12,000 people. Homes were sited with living areas oriented toward green belts, views, and individual gardens. Five home designs designated “A” through “F” according to size (thus how the houses became known as Alphabet houses), included central heat, porches, and fireplaces. Homes were assigned according to family size or, in some instances, job importance. Construction workers lived in wooden hutment, dorm and barrack spaces, or basic no-frills trailers. Three thousand cemesto houses, which took two hours each to build, were completed at the rate of one every thirty minutes!
To save time and labor in providing housing for the thousands of newcomers, prefabricated houses, complete with cabinets, plumbing, curtains, and even some furniture, were brought in by trucks, half-a-house at a time.
Even though the homes in Oak Ridge were built for a temporary reason, most of them still stand today and are in use by today’s citizens.
Visitors to Oak Ridge today can trace the important history that took place here at several attractions and the Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge makes a great place to start – even if you don’t have kids. What went on and goes on today in Oak Ridge is complex scientific stuff and even some adults (like certain scientifically challenged travel writers) may have difficulties absorbing it all. No matter. The Children’s Museum breaks down the Oak Ridge story in a way that everyone can grasp, and helps kids relate to the children of that time period. . In fact, the Museum itself is housed in what was then, the elementary school.
Of course, if you do have kids traveling with you, they’ll love all the other interactive exhibits here, including a life-sized dollhouse that kids can play in, puppets from folk artist Ann Cebrat, and extensive model train displays that includes an outdoor train garden created in partnership with DIY TV. Mom and Dad can get a serious history education here while the kids have fun.
Which is not to say the kids won't get a history lesson too -- they'll just be having so much fun they won't realize it. Many children lived in Oak Ridge during the Manhattan Project years and the Children’s Museum shows today’s kids how the Children of World War II lived in the Secret City through its various interactive atteactions.
When you’re ready for a more adult view of what went on and goes on in Oak Ridge, head to the American Museum of Science and Energy. Originally called the Atomic Energy Museum, the facility first opened its doors in 1949 on the same day the gates to the Secret City came down.
Today's museum is housed in a state-of-the-art modern facility. Upstairs are lots of fun hands-on science projects that kids will love. Adults -- parents, grandparents and great grandparents can delve in to the history of Oak Ridge and the Manhattan Project in as much detail as they as they can handle.
The Museum is also the starting point for a special bus tour offered by the US Department of Energy that includes a visit to the Y-12 National Security Complex for a glimpse at some of the scientific research being conducted today – a lot of which sounds like the stuff of science fiction, but it’s real. For instance, scientists are close to perfecting technology that will render an object invisible! (Really!)
On the tour you’ll also get a tour of the X-10 Graphite Reactor (pictured top of this page), and marvel at the size of K-25 in the East Tennessee Technology Park – the largest building in the world when it was built during the Manhattan Project, one mile in length and 44 acres under one roof. As K-25 is undergoing decontamination, you’ll have to look from a distance, but something this large isn’t easy to miss.
Make arrangements for the bus tour well in advance as admissions are limited and security clearance is required for all participants.
A unique way to view the facilities at Oak Ridge, especially for train buffs, is via the Secret City Excursion Train, a 70 minute, 12 mile round trip that snakes through the woods along Poplar Creek through part of the once secret K-25 f Manhattan Project site on vintage railroad cars restored and maintained by the Southern Appalachia Railway Museum. The train generally runs on weekends only in the spring, summer and fall, so be sure to check the schedule in advance on order to avoid disappointment.
Oak Ridge is located about 25 miles northwest of Knoxville in Anderson County, Tennessee. For more information about visiting Oak Ridge, visit the Oak Ridge Convention and Visitors Bureau website at www.OakRidgeVisitor.com.
The Norris Dam State Park and the Lenoir Museum are located at 125 Village Green Circle in Lake City , TN 37769-5932. Visit their website at www.tennessee.gov/environment/parks/NorrisDam.
The Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge is located at 461 W Outer Dr Oak Ridge, TN 37830. Phone 865-482-1074 or visit their website at www.childrensmuseumofoakridge.org .
The American Museum of Science and Energy is located at 300 South Tulane Avenue, Oak Ridge, TN. Phone 865-576-3200, or click to www.amse.org.
The Secret City Excursion Train, is maintained and run by the Southern Appalachia Railway Museum. The train generally runs on weekends only in the spring, summer and fall. For more information click to www.techscribes.com/sarm/sarm.htm or call 865- 241-2140.
For more information on visiting Anderson County, Tennessee, visit their tourism council's website at www.YallCome.org.
USA South
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OAK RIDGE, TENNESSEE, USA – Just taking a quick glance at Oak Ridge, Tennessee today, you would have no idea that back in 1942 the town went from a population of 0 to 75,000 in a mere six months. Despite the fact that all those people – men, women, and children lived, worked, and went about their daily lives in Oak Ridge, and that it was the fifth largest city in the state of Tennessee, the city could not be found on any map. They all were keeping a secret.If it sounds like real X-Files type stuff, it is. In an effort to bring an end to World War II, three cities were chosen to be part of the top-secret “Manhattan Project” which would produce the world’s first atomic weapons. Those cities were Los Alamos, New Mexico; Hanford, Washington; and Oak Ridge, Tennessee, which was built specifically for this reason.
In the 1940’s, Y-12 was a monumental success over seemingly insurmountable obstacles, and the new material that was produced there changed the world forever.
When today’s leaders give excuses for why things can’t be accomplished, they should look at Oak Ridge, where so much was accomplished, by an enormous work force, in complete secrecy, in an amazingly short amount of time.
When visiting the Oak Ridge area, tourists need to be prepared to ingest significant helpings of pro-nuke propaganda along with the facts of history. After all, this industry has supported the residents of this region for generations. Regardless of which side of this controversial political issue you fall on, a visit to Oak Ridge will provide a valuable learning experience that can really cement your feelings and back you up with the data to successfully argue your position.
The Secrets Begin Before the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers bought 59,000 acres back in 1942, family farms, some over a century old, populated this scenic area of Appalachia. About 3,000 persons resided in approximately 1,000 homes scattered throughout the communities of Scarboro, Wheat, Elza and Robertsville. Some families, like those of John Rice Irwin, founder of the Museum of Appalachia found themselves uprooted by the federal government not once, but twice -- first for the building of Norris dam(pictured at right) and later again for the construction of Oak Ridge.
The dam, an FDR “New Deal” construction project, was a big factor in why the government located this project in Oak Ridge, as it provided abundant power and water. The topography which helped hide construction and aided in security also helped make Oak Ridge the perfect physical spot to construct an entire city and three manufacturing plants of unprecedented scope.
To get an idea of what this area was like before the Manhattan Project, take a little time to visit the Lenoir Museum. In fact, plan to take along a picnic as the museum is located in the gorgeous Norris Dam State Park, which makes a great lunch stop. You could even enjoy your al fresco feast beside an authentic 18th century rice mill’s churning waterwheel (pictured left). Located on the shores of Norris Lake the park features 700 miles of shoreline, first class fishing, boating, and camping, and miles of scenic hiking trails that wind through lush forests and majestic ridges.
Inside the Lenoir Museum you’ll find artifacts from the region’s previous residents including the Appalachian farmers who were displaced by the building of the Norris Dam, along with the Native American people who populated this land long before.
The Secrets Unfold and Continue
Three facilities, each identified by a code name, were built in the Oak Ridge complex, which at the time was called the Clinton Engineering Works (C.E.W.) after the nearby town of Clinton. This work was performed under the direction of the Manhattan District of the Corps of Engineers which had been formed in June 1942 to oversee the entire atomic weapons program.
The original community was planned to accommodate about 12,000 people. Homes were sited with living areas oriented toward green belts, views, and individual gardens. Five home designs designated “A” through “F” according to size (thus how the houses became known as Alphabet houses), included central heat, porches, and fireplaces. Homes were assigned according to family size or, in some instances, job importance. Construction workers lived in wooden hutment, dorm and barrack spaces, or basic no-frills trailers. Three thousand cemesto houses, which took two hours each to build, were completed at the rate of one every thirty minutes!
To save time and labor in providing housing for the thousands of newcomers, prefabricated houses, complete with cabinets, plumbing, curtains, and even some furniture, were brought in by trucks, half-a-house at a time.
Even though the homes in Oak Ridge were built for a temporary reason, most of them still stand today and are in use by today’s citizens.
Visitors to Oak Ridge today can trace the important history that took place here at several attractions and the Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge makes a great place to start – even if you don’t have kids. What went on and goes on today in Oak Ridge is complex scientific stuff and even some adults (like certain scientifically challenged travel writers) may have difficulties absorbing it all. No matter. The Children’s Museum breaks down the Oak Ridge story in a way that everyone can grasp, and helps kids relate to the children of that time period. . In fact, the Museum itself is housed in what was then, the elementary school.
Of course, if you do have kids traveling with you, they’ll love all the other interactive exhibits here, including a life-sized dollhouse that kids can play in, puppets from folk artist Ann Cebrat, and extensive model train displays that includes an outdoor train garden created in partnership with DIY TV. Mom and Dad can get a serious history education here while the kids have fun.
Which is not to say the kids won't get a history lesson too -- they'll just be having so much fun they won't realize it. Many children lived in Oak Ridge during the Manhattan Project years and the Children’s Museum shows today’s kids how the Children of World War II lived in the Secret City through its various interactive atteactions.
When you’re ready for a more adult view of what went on and goes on in Oak Ridge, head to the American Museum of Science and Energy. Originally called the Atomic Energy Museum, the facility first opened its doors in 1949 on the same day the gates to the Secret City came down.
Today's museum is housed in a state-of-the-art modern facility. Upstairs are lots of fun hands-on science projects that kids will love. Adults -- parents, grandparents and great grandparents can delve in to the history of Oak Ridge and the Manhattan Project in as much detail as they as they can handle.
The Museum is also the starting point for a special bus tour offered by the US Department of Energy that includes a visit to the Y-12 National Security Complex for a glimpse at some of the scientific research being conducted today – a lot of which sounds like the stuff of science fiction, but it’s real. For instance, scientists are close to perfecting technology that will render an object invisible! (Really!)
On the tour you’ll also get a tour of the X-10 Graphite Reactor (pictured top of this page), and marvel at the size of K-25 in the East Tennessee Technology Park – the largest building in the world when it was built during the Manhattan Project, one mile in length and 44 acres under one roof. As K-25 is undergoing decontamination, you’ll have to look from a distance, but something this large isn’t easy to miss.
Make arrangements for the bus tour well in advance as admissions are limited and security clearance is required for all participants.
A unique way to view the facilities at Oak Ridge, especially for train buffs, is via the Secret City Excursion Train, a 70 minute, 12 mile round trip that snakes through the woods along Poplar Creek through part of the once secret K-25 f Manhattan Project site on vintage railroad cars restored and maintained by the Southern Appalachia Railway Museum. The train generally runs on weekends only in the spring, summer and fall, so be sure to check the schedule in advance on order to avoid disappointment.
Practicalities
Oak Ridge is located about 25 miles northwest of Knoxville in Anderson County, Tennessee. For more information about visiting Oak Ridge, visit the Oak Ridge Convention and Visitors Bureau website at www.OakRidgeVisitor.com.
The Norris Dam State Park and the Lenoir Museum are located at 125 Village Green Circle in Lake City , TN 37769-5932. Visit their website at www.tennessee.gov/environment/parks/NorrisDam.
The Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge is located at 461 W Outer Dr Oak Ridge, TN 37830. Phone 865-482-1074 or visit their website at www.childrensmuseumofoakridge.org .
The American Museum of Science and Energy is located at 300 South Tulane Avenue, Oak Ridge, TN. Phone 865-576-3200, or click to www.amse.org.
The Secret City Excursion Train, is maintained and run by the Southern Appalachia Railway Museum. The train generally runs on weekends only in the spring, summer and fall. For more information click to www.techscribes.com/sarm/sarm.htm or call 865- 241-2140.
For more information on visiting Anderson County, Tennessee, visit their tourism council's website at www.YallCome.org.
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