Before & After Photos of Park Sites & Communities

Hanford: B Reactor

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The B Reactor Building in 1944 under construction with the exterior nearly completed except for the tall ventilation stack.
Credit: LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

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The B Reactor today with its tall ventilation stack.
Credit: NPS/BURGHART

The B Reactor is the world's first full-scale nuclear reactor. The plutonium produced here was used in the Trinity Test and in the Fat Man bomb dropped on Nagasaki, Japan on August 9, 1945. Visitors can only tour the B Reactor via tours offered by the Department of Energy. Learn more about the B Reactor. 

 

Hanford: Allard Pumphouse

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The Allard Pumphouse was critical to helping with irrigation.
Credit: HANFORD HISTORY PROJECT

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The Allard Pumphouse is on the Hanford Site today.
Credit: NPS/BURGHART

The Allard Pumphouse supplied Columbia River water to farmers for irrigation and is on the Hanford Site today. The Manhattan Project acquired the Allard Pumphouse and surrounding farms through eminent domain in 1943. Learn more about the Allard Pumphouse. 

 

Hanford High School

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Hanford High School was converted into offices for the Manhattan Project.
Credit: HANFORD HISTORY PROJECT

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Visitors can see Hanford High School through a guided tour.
Credit: NPS/ZIMMERMAN

The remnant of Hanford High School, constructed in 1916, is one of the few surviving structures from the town of Hanford. Residents of Hanford were forced to leave when the Manhattan Project took over the area. Project offices soon filled the school, and the surrounding area became a camp that housed thousands of construction workers. People can only visit Hanford High School on tours offered by the US Department of Energy. Learn more about Hanford High School. 

 

Los Alamos Project Main Gate

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Los Alamos Project Main Gate during the Manhattan Project.
Credit: NPS

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Los Alamos Project Main Gate today.
Credit: LOS ALAMOS NATIONAL LABORATORY

 

Los Alamos: Ashley Pond

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Ashley Pond before the Manhattan Project.
Credit: LOS ALAMOS NATIONAL LABORATORY

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Ashley Pond today.
Credit: ADOBE STOCK

Ashley Pond has been a prominent feature of Los Alamos since the homesteading and Los Alamos Ranch School eras. Strolling around the pond, you may walk in the footsteps of famous scientists, Ranch School students, or the cattle who drank here. Learn more about Ashley Pond. 

 

Los Alamos: Fuller Lodge

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Fuller Lodge before the Manhattan Project.
Credit: LOS ALAMOS NATIONAL LABORATORY

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Fuller Lodge today.
Credit: NPS

Fuller Lodge served as the dining hall for the Los Alamos Ranch School and as a community center for Manhattan Project workers. By far the largest of the remaining school buildings, Fuller Lodge over the years has played an important role in the Los Alamos community. Today, it is an art center. Learn more about Fuller Lodge. 

 

Los Alamos: Power House

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Power House 1942
Credit: Los Alamos National Laboratory

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Power House today
Credit: NPS

The Power House originally housed the electrical generator for the Los Alamos Ranch School. After the establishment of the Manhattan Project, the Power House became George Kistiakowsky’s home. Learn more about the Power House. 

 

Oak Ridge: X-10

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X-10
Credit: US DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

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X 10
Credit: US DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

 

Oak Ridge: The Guest House

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The Guest House was built in 1943. Photo taken 1945.
Credit: US DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY/ED WESCOTT

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The Guest House today.
Credit: NPS/KLEIN

The Guest House accommodated Manhattan Project luminaries in Oak Ridge. Today, the Guest House is called the Alexander Inn, and it is an assisted living facility. You are welcome to view the small museum in the lobby, but please be respectful of current residents. Learn more about the Guest House. 

 

Oak Ridge: Elza Gate

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The Elza Gate was the site of the public opening of Oak Ridge in 1949.
Credit: US DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY/ED WESTCOTT

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Today the Elza Gate is home to a city park.
Credit: NPS/KLEIN

The Elza Gatehouse, named after a small, nearby community, was one of three checkpoints positioned within the secret city. Many considered Elza the main entrance to Oak Ridge. The Elza gatehouse has since been demolished. The Elza Gate Park exists at the original gate’s location. You can find walking trails and wayside exhibits related to the Elza gate’s role during the Manhattan Project. Learn more about Elza Gate.