Rio Grande Historical Collections Photographs, 1885-1950s
Date
circa 1905
Decade
1900s
Subject (LCSH)
Camps
Buildings
Mountains
Mines and mineral resources
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: 5 x 7 in.
Notes
This photo of Estey City is from the 1905 prospectus issued by the Dividend Mining and Milling Company headquartered in Boston
Estey City was a copper mining development in the northeast corner of White Sands Missile Range
The prospectus states, 'It (Estey City) is today the most important mining proposition in this territory, and is exceeded by few in the entire country.' It goes on to say, '…the Company owns one of the most valuable pieces of mining property in the Southwest -- rich in copper, lead, gold and silver ores'
Note on recto: "BIRD'S-EYE VIEW OF COMPANY'S PROPERTY AT ESTEY CITY"
Digital publisher
New Mexico State University Library
Source
NMSU Library Archives and Special Collections
Source collection name: White Sands Missile Range Photographs, 1905-1950s