Nitro: WWI “Boom Town”

Nitro: world war one “Boom Town”. . Nitro was born a “Boom Town” during America’s mobilization for World War I. The name Nitro was selected by Dr. Arthur Swanson, technical advisor on the Ordinance Department team. It was derived from the chemical term Nitro-Cellulose, which identified the type of gunpowder that was to be produced. , Ground was broken December 23, 1917, at the site of the present Nitro City Park for the construction of the first twenty-seven, 200-bed barracks. Practically overnight thousands of workers and train loads of materials and supplies, began pouring into the muddy pasture field along the river. Government records indicated that over 110,000 people were on the payroll during the eleven months it took to build the plant. , By the time the war ended on November 11, 1918, the sprawling manufacturing complex, officially known as Explosive Plant C, was already in production and was capable of producing 350 tons of smokeless gun powder per day. The town was 90 percent complete and was housing 23,951 people. The community not only provided the latest design in housing and utilities, it also included a modern independent school system, full time police and fire protection, a hospital, and a variety of recreational facilities. , By 1921 the future of the town was beginning to shape up and most of the wartime holdovers were calling it home. A great number of the young couples soon learned to depend on their friends and neighbors for fellowship, common interests, and help in time of need. They also formed a number of active clubs and civic organizations which contributed to the growth and development of the town. This early community spirit and neighborly concern carried over and has become a very special part of Nitro’s heritage. , Visit the Nitro History and War Museum on 20th Street to see and learn more about this “Boom Town” called NITRO! , Nathan Wills