Near Willow Springs in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
You Are Now Entering Site A
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, October 7, 2022
1. You Are Now Entering Site A Marker
Looking for a remote location to conduct top secret nuclear experiments, the U.S. Army corps of Engineers built the “Site A” research facility on land leased from the Cook County Forest Preserve in Red Gate Woods.
In addition to research labs and reactor control rooms, the complex included a guard house, dog shelter, library, cafeteria, dormitory, and recreational spaces. The scientists who lived and worked there throughout World War II maintained a strict code of silence, as their discoveries were critical for the success of the U.S. military’s atomic program.After extensive clean-up, the site is safe for public recreation.
Erected by Forest Preserves of Cook County, Loyola University Public History Program.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Science & Medicine.
Location. 41° 42.146′ N, 87° 54.8′ W. Marker is near Willow Springs, Illinois, in Cook County. Marker is on Palos Trail System - Brown Unpaved Trail (West) (Illinois Route 171) north of Pipeline Trail, on the right when traveling north. At start on gravel lane, just west of square boulder and Chicago Piles marker Marker is at Wolf Loop Trail Intersection 26. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 9084 Archer Ave, Willow Springs IL 60480, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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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 158 times since then and 46 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on October 18, 2022, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
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