Rio Grande Historical Collections Photographs, 1885-1950s
Date
circa 1946
Decade
1940s
Subject (LCSH)
V-2 rocket
Military scientists
Von Braun, Wernher, 1912-1977
Rockets (Aeronautics)
Military planning
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
Alabama Space and Rocket Center
Extent
Size original: 8.5 x 11 in.
Notes
This photo was taken at Fort Bliss where the German scientists and engineers of Operation Paperclip lived
Note on recto: "Copy photo from Huntsville, Ala.- the Alabama Space and Rocket Center [Not for handout]"
Digital publisher
New Mexico State University Library
Source
NMSU Library Archives and Special Collections
Source collection name: White Sands Missile Range Photographs, 1905-1950s