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. militarys 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. It 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
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Chicago. It is also in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Worlds First Nuclear Reactor (within shouting distance of this marker); The Chicago Piles (within shouting distance of this marker); Caution - Do Not Dig (approx. 0.4 miles away); Dawn of the Atomic Age (approx. half a mile away); Saint James at Sag Bridge Church and Cemetery (approx. one mile away); Land of the Healing Waters (approx. 2.6 miles away); ...And It Came to Be (approx. 2.7 miles away); Willow Springs Civilian Conservation Corps Camp #612 (cont ) (approx. 2.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Willow Springs.
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 556 times since then and 41 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.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A clear wide shot of the marker in context. • Can you help?
