University of Chicago, IL   Oak Ridge, TN   Los Alamos, NM   Trinity Site, NM
 
Historic Manhattan Project Sites
Las Alamos, NM - May 26, 2010
 
During WWII Las Alamos is where all of development, engineering and building of the one uranium bomb and two plutonium bombs took place.  Located on three elevated plateaus 30 miles north of Santa Fe for most of the war it was so secret it did not even have a post office.  Previously to the arrival of all of the scientists, engineers, technicians and their families there was a only a boys school located at what became the center of the town and technical center.  After WWII it continued the development of the nuclear bombs for the US and is still an active complex.  I came in the scenic back way to the town when I visited and was momentarily stopped at an armed checkpoint.  What I remember most about arriving at Las Alamos was the the M-16 with a 30 round magazine the guard had propped up in the window.  I made sure I didn't do anything dumb.


On the right is the original part of Fuller Lodge, which was part of the boy's school.  It was commandeered by the military in early 1943 and the school and students had a week or two to leave the area.  This was used a dormitory for incoming personal until they could be moved into permanent housing.

Fuller Lodge was constructed of 771 pine logs.

This was built in 1918 and is oldest inhabited building in town.  It was used as guest quarters during Manhattan Project and is now the local museum.

Baker House which is similar to others in the area that were used to house the more important persons involved in the Manhattan Project.  Previously they would have been inhabited by the administrators and teachers at the school.

Another view of the Baker House after the sun came out.

University of Chicago, IL   Oak Ridge, TN   Los Alamos, NM   Trinity Site, NM