First headed by J. Robert Oppenheimer, the Los Alamos National Laboratory began work creating the first atomic bomb as part of the Manhattan Project in 1943. Dubbed "Project Y," the New Mexico location gave researchers the perfect combination of a remote yet accessible lab. The town of Los Alamos grew quickly in the mid 1940s and the Department of Energy declassified the lab in 1945.
After working on bigger and "better" bombs during the Cold War, the lab eventually turned its attention to more peaceful purposes and is still active today.
Here are 20 photos from inside and around the facility that created the atomic bomb.
1
Finalizing the Fat Man
The atomic bomb that was dropped on Nagasaki on August 9, 1945.
2
MANIAC
One of the first computers. Two operators in 1952.
3
Preparation of a Kiwi-A Reactor
For a test at Los Alamos National Laboratory.
4
Scientist at Work
The Los Alamos National Laboratory, 1952-53.
5
Fat Man Assembly
Building the bomb in 1945.
6
Scientist
Sitting next to the world's first atomic bomb shortly before the Trinity test. July 16, 1945.
7
General Leslie Groves and J. Robert Oppenheimer
At the Trinity detonation site, 1945.
8
General Leslie Groves and J. Robert Oppenheimer
At the Trinity detonation site, 1945.
9
The Tower
Used to hold Jumbo during the Trinity Test, 1945
10
The Jumbo Containment Vessel
Arriving at Trinity Site, 1945
11
The "Thin Man" Plutonium Gun
Being tested at Anchor Ranch, Los Alamos, during World War II. Circa 1943.
12
Exterior of the Clementine Nuclear Reactor
Los Alamos, 1954.
13
Los Alamos Nuclear Facility
At work in 1974.
14
Main Gate
Los Alamos Project, 1943.
15
Busy Facility
Designing the bomb.
16
“D” Building
By the south perimeter fence.
17
Maintenance Shops
The Los Alamos lab.
18
Security Check Point
A soldier searches a bag, Los Alamos. 1943 - 1947.
19
R, Y, and K Buildings
Los Alamos, New Mexico.
20
J. Robert Oppenheimer
Visiting the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory Museum and Lecture, 1964.
