Near Willow Springs in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Dawn of the Atomic Age
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, October 7, 2022
1. Dawn of the Atomic Age Marker
On December 2, 1942, scientists at the University of Chicago produced the first controlled nuclear chain reaction in human history. Soon after, the reactor was relocated to “Site A” in the Palos Park Forest Preserve where scientists performed experiments and built the additional reactor as part of the Manhattan Project, the U.S. nuclear development program during World War II.
When the site closed in 1954, the two reactors were buried and a decades-long environmental clean-up and monitoring effort began. In 1991, after extensive clean-up by the Department of Energy, the area was re-opened for safe public recreation. Today, Red Gate Woods remains the burial site of the world’s first nuclear reactors—marvels of science that ushered America into the Atomic Age.
Erected by Forest Preserve of Cook County, Loyola University Public History Program.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Science & Medicine • War, World II. A significant historical date for this entry is December 2, 1942.
Location. 41° 42.601′ N, 87° 54.85′ W. Marker is near Willow Springs, Illinois, in Cook County. Marker can be reached from Illinois Route 171 north of Palos Trail System - Orange Single Trak Trail, on the right when traveling
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Caution - Do Not Dig (approx. ¼ mile away); You Are Now Entering Site A (approx. half a mile away); The Chicago Piles (approx. half a mile away); The World’s First Nuclear Reactor (approx. half a mile away); Saint James at Sag Bridge Church and Cemetery (approx. 1.2 miles away); Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket (approx. 2.8 miles away); Get Your "Chicks" on Rte 66 (approx. 2.8 miles away); Bruno F. Shustek (approx. 3½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Willow Springs.
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, October 7, 2022
2. Dawn of the Atomic Age Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 18, 2022, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. This page has been viewed 148 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 18, 2022, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
