Bombs away! For over four decades the Nevada Test Site served as the principal proving grounds for nuclear weapons. Of the 1,054 nuclear tests conducted, 928 were detonated here. Serving first as the Los Vegas Bombing and Gunnery Range, it was later expanded by President Truman into the 1,375 square mile area it is today. Larger than Rhode Island, the site consists of unpopulated desert and arid mountainous terrain.

Logistics, weather, and security concerns of nuclear tests conducted in the Pacific Ocean illustrated the need for a continental test site. The Atomic Energy Commission swiftly moved to turn Nevada into a permanent testing ground. Resembling a battleground, the desert is littered with rusted military equipment and shattered glass. Aside from weapon tests, peaceful methods were developed to demonstrate that nuclear devices could be used to quickly remove massive amounts of earth for canals and harbors. Such a test was conducted in 1962 when the 320-foot Sedan crater was formed. Also, Apollo 16 astronauts conducted studies near Schooner crater because it was thought to be similar to the Moon.

The small-town of Mercury serves as the gateway to the testing site. As the frequency of testing increased and expanded to peaceful purposes, the population blossomed. To meet the growing needs of the testing personnel, the Atomic Energy Commission built the city into a thriving area including a police station, movie theater, and bowling alley.

In 1992, Congress imposed a moratorium on nuclear weapons testing and drastically reduced the amount of workers present in Mercury.

The Department of Energy now uses the site for tests with hazardous chemical spills and environmental technology studies. This area serves as a monument to the personnel that conducted dangerous experiments to fight the Cold War.

Podcast Written and Narrated by David Tatem, Public History Student at the University of West Florida.