The Making of a National Park-

In 1942, TVA's first dam, Norris Dam was generating power and World War II was being fought in two theaters- Europe and Japan. How did these two events combine to birth a National Park?

Oak Ridge Historian, Ray Smith takes us from the beginning of the "Secret City" project being built in Oak Ridge and powered by Norris Dam to the establishment of the Manhattan Project National Historic Park.

Learn about the history behind Little Boy and the efforts to commemorate these places with a  National Park designation as told by one of Ray, one of the chief individuals who spearheaded the designation effort. 

"What is the Manhattan Project? The Manhattan Project was an unprecedented, top-secret World War II government program in which the United States rushed to develop and deploy the world’s first atomic weapons before Nazi Germany. The use of these weapons by the United States against Japan in August 1945 ultimately became one of the most important historical events of the 20th century. The project ushered in the nuclear age and left enduring legacies that echo all around us today. The Manhattan Project took shape at three primary locations across the country: Hanford, Washington; Los Alamos, New Mexico; and Oak Ridge, Tennessee. NPS website 2023.

The Tennessee River Valley Stewardship Council, a 501 c3 nonprofit, serves as the steering committee and editorial board for the Geotourism MapGuide website. It is comprised of volunteers from a seven state region. The Council's efforts are made possible through the generous support of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram