Pennsylvania is home to many historical and cultural attractions, but also to a hidden and mysterious site that few people know about. It is a secret nuclear facility that was once a part of the U.S. nuclear weapons program during the Cold War. It is now a ghost town of tunnels, abandoned and decaying, but still holding some secrets of the past.
Background
The facility, located in Clarksville, was established in 1948 as a joint operation between the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) and the Armed Forces Special Weapons Project (AFSWP). It was one of the 13 nuclear weapons storage facilities in the country, and at one time, it held about a third of the U.S. nuclear arsenal. It was also a target for the Soviet Union, which ranked it as high as No. 3 on its list of sites to destroy in case of a nuclear war.
The facility was divided into two areas: the “Q” area, where the nuclear weapons were stored and assembled, and the “A” area, where the administrative and support facilities were located. The “Q” area was surrounded by a double fence, guarded by armed personnel, and protected by various security measures, such as alarms, cameras, and dogs. The “A” area was less secure, but still restricted to authorized personnel.
The facility employed both civilian and military workers, who had to follow strict rules and procedures to handle the nuclear weapons. They also had to maintain a high level of secrecy, as the existence and location of the facility were classified. The workers lived in nearby towns, such as Clarksville and Hopkinsville, and commuted to the facility daily.
The facility operated for 20 years, from 1948 to 1968, and during that time, it stored and assembled various types of nuclear weapons, such as bombs, warheads, and missiles. Some of the weapons were transported to other sites for deployment, while others were kept in reserve. The facility also conducted inspections, maintenance, and testing of the weapons.
Closure and Abandonment
In the late 1960s, the U.S. government decided to consolidate and reduce its nuclear weapons stockpile, as a result of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks. The facility was one of the sites that was selected for closure, as it was deemed obsolete and redundant. The facility was officially deactivated in 1968, and the nuclear weapons were removed and transferred to other locations.
The facility was then turned over to the Army, which used it for various purposes, such as training, storage, and disposal. The Army also demolished some of the buildings and structures, and filled in some of the tunnels and bunkers. However, the Army did not completely destroy or remove all the traces of the facility’s nuclear past. Many of the facilities and features of the facility were left intact, such as the fences, gates, signs, roads, and bridges.
Current Status and Future Plans
Today, the facility is a ghost town of tunnels, with no signs of life or activity. It is still owned by the Army, but it is not open to the public or the media. It is also not well maintained or secured, and it is subject to vandalism, theft, and trespassing. Some of the tunnels and bunkers have collapsed or flooded, and some of the materials and equipment have been damaged or stolen. There is also a risk of environmental contamination, as some of the nuclear waste and debris may have leaked or spilled over the years.
The future of the facility is uncertain, as there are no clear plans or proposals for its redevelopment or preservation. Some people have suggested that the facility should be turned into a museum, a park, or a historical site, to educate the public about the history and legacy of the Cold War. Others have argued that the facility should be completely demolished and cleaned up, to eliminate any potential hazards or liabilities. However, both options would require a lot of funding, resources, and cooperation, which are not readily available or feasible.
Conclusion
The secret nuclear facility in Pennsylvania is a fascinating and intriguing site that reveals a hidden and dark side of the U.S. history. It is a reminder of the dangers and challenges of the nuclear age, and the role that Pennsylvania played in it. It is also a testament to the people who worked there, who risked their lives and sacrificed their privacy for the sake of national security and defense. It is a site that deserves more attention and recognition, as it is a part of the state’s and the nation’s heritage and identity.