Rio Grande Historical Collections Photographs, 1885-1950s
Date
1945-07-16
Decade
1940s
Photographer
Brixner, Berlyn
Subject (LCSH)
Atomic bomb
Blast effect
Nuclear explosions
Trinity Site (N.M.)
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
The first atomic bomb explosion at about 15 seconds after detonation at Trinity Site, July 16, 1945
The still photo is from a frame of 35mm movie film shot using a Mitchell motion picture camera from 10,000 yards away by Los Alamos
Photographed by Berlyn Brixner
Trinity Site is now a National Historic Landmark
Digital publisher
New Mexico State University Library
Source
NMSU Library Archives and Special Collections
Source collection name: White Sands Missile Range Photographs, 1905-1950s