Norris Bradbury standing beside the atomic bomb at Trinity Site
RG93_102_002.pdf
Information
Collection name
Rio Grande Historical Collections Photographs, 1885-1950s
Date
1945-07
Decade
1940s
Subject (LCSH)
Towers
Atomic bomb
Trinity Site (N.M.)
Soldiers
Manhattan Project (U.S.)
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
Norris Bradbury, physicist, stands beside the partially assembled plutonium atomic bomb at Trinity Site in July 1945
It was called the “gadget” at the time
The bomb rested atop a 100-foot steel tower in a small shelter where final assembly took place
After Robert Oppenheimer left Los Alamos National Laboratory shortly after the end of WWII, he chose Bradbury to succeed him
Norris served in that position for 25 years
Note on recto: "Confidential RD"
Note on verso: "The atomic device with Manhattan Project indivual [sic] a top the 100-foot tower at Ground Zero"
Digital publisher
New Mexico State University Library
Source
NMSU Library Archives and Special Collections
Source collection name: White Sands Missile Range Photographs, 1905-1950s