Rio Grande Historical Collections Photographs, 1885-1950s
Date
circa 1946
Decade
1940s
Subject (LCSH)
V-2 rocket
Rockets (Aeronautics)
White Sands Proving Ground (N.M.)
Armed Forces--Officers
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: 10 x 8 in.
Notes
Major Herbert L. Karsch went on to serve as Deputy Commander of White Sands Proving Ground from January to September 1946
From October 1946 to January 1954, Karsch was the civilian WSPG Technical Director
From January 1954 until he left the federal service in September 1956, he was Assistant to the Commander for Engineering
Notes on recto: "Major Herbert L. Karsch, Proof Officer at base of V-2, making last minute inspection, U.S. Army Ordnance Proving Ground, White Sands, N.M."
Digital publisher
New Mexico State University Library
Source
NMSU Library Archives and Special Collections
Source collection name: White Sands Missile Range Photographs, 1905-1950s