The first flag raising ceremony at the White Sands Proving Ground
RG93_102_010.pdf
Information
Collection name
Rio Grande Historical Collections Photographs, 1885-1950s
Date
1945-09-29
Decade
1940s
Subject (LCSH)
Flags
Flag raising and lowering
United States
White Sands Proving Ground (N.M.)
Soldiers
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: 8.5 x 11 in.
Notes
The first flag raising at the White Sands Proving Ground on September 29, 1945
The public was invited to the ceremony presided over by Lieutenant Colonel Harold Turner, first commander of White Sands
Digital publisher
New Mexico State University Library
Source
NMSU Library Archives and Special Collections
Source collection name: White Sands Missile Range Photographs, 1905-1950s