Rio Grande Historical Collections Photographs, 1885-1950s
Date
circa 1946
Decade
1940s
Subject (LCSH)
V-2 rocket
Flight testing
Rockets (Aeronautics)
Buildings
White Sands Proving Ground (N.M.)
Warehouses
Technology
Historical context
The White Sands Proving Ground (WSPG) was established in July 9, 1945 and renamed White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) in 1958. The world's first atomic bomb was detonated at Trinity Site, at the north end of WSPG, July 16, 1945. The military range served as a principal location for testing rocket technology following World War II, including V-2 rockets brought from Germany at the end of the war. WSMR is known as the birthplace of missile and space activity in the United States. The images in the collection depict WSMR views, V-2 rocket tests, Trinity Site, the old mining site of Estey City (located on the range), and personnel affiliated with operations at WSPG during the mid-1940s. The photographs were donated by the WSMR Public Affairs Office
Provenance
White Sands Missile Range, Public Affairs Office
Extent
Size original: 8 x 10 in.
Notes
Three V-2's in Mill Building being tested
Rockets were assembled and components tested in the Mill Building before transporting the rockets to Launch Complex 33 (previously known as the army launch area)
Note on verso: "V-2 assemblies undergo tests inside Mill Building on post"
Digital publisher
New Mexico State University Library
Source
NMSU Library Archives and Special Collections
Source collection name: White Sands Missile Range Photographs, 1905-1950s