Los Alamos National Laboratory (New Mexico)

Los Alamos National Laboratory (New Mexico)

Years in operation: 1943-Present

Strict criteria needed to be met when selecting a location for one of the world’s largest science and technology institutions.  The site needed to be far enough in-land to be protected from air attacks, have a road with limited access for security purposes, and be located far enough from the general public to prevent any curious onlookers from getting too close.  Manhattan Project scientific director, Robert Oppenheimer, suggested placing the laboratory at the Los Alamos Ranch School in New Mexico, as it met the requirements.

Would you believe a school’s academic schedule could play a major role in determining when the United States could begin building a significant portion of the Manhattan Project?  Well, it did.  Since the land belonged to an active school and a term was in session, land acquisition was not made possible until the end of the term in 1943.

From 1943 through 1945 the site was home to some of the smartest scientific minds of the day.  These heroes played a major role in designing and building atomic bombs as well as conducting research which would help advance science and physics for years to come.

The strong tradition of conducting valuable research for the Nation has continued through present day. More than 30 million dollars has been awarded to the Lab as part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act.  These awards will assist with the development of creating renewable resources and alternative energy forms.