Socorro in Socorro County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Jumbo
Photographed by Gregory Walker, May 16, 2010
1. Jumbo Marker
This is a fragment from Jumbo, a huge steel vessel designed to contain the explosion of the first nuclear device at the Trinity Site some 35 miles southeast of here on July 16, 1945. Jumbo was 25 feet long, 12 feet in diameter, and weighed 214 tons. Its steel walls were 14 inches thick. Although Jumbo was not used in the tests, it was 800 feet from ground zero at the time and escaped without damage except for a steel superstructure around it which was crumpled by the blast. Jumbo was used in later experiments which resulted in the ends being blown out. This piece of Jumbo is a souvenir of the worlds first nuclear explosion. Dr. Marvin Wilkening, an observer in 1945.
Erected by New Mexico Historic Preservation Division.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Science & Medicine • War, World II. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1803.
Location. 34° 3.417′ N, 106° 53.596′ W. Marker is in Socorro, New Mexico, in Socorro County. It is at the intersection of Plaza Street and Center Street, on the right when traveling east on Plaza Street. The marker is on the south side of the Plaza. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Socorro NM 87801, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southwest New Mexico and in the Rio Grande Valley. It is also in the American Southwest. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also the Republic of Texas.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Abeyta Block (within shouting distance of
this page online
Regarding Jumbo. A section of Jumbo containing a complete circumference is on display at the Trinity Site.
Photographed by Gregory Walker, May 16, 2010
2. Jumbo Marker With Piece of Jumbo in Front.
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, July 21, 2011
3. Rear View of the Jumbo Marker
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, July 21, 2011
4. Rear View of the Jumbo Marker
Photographed by Gregory Walker, May 16, 2010
5. Close-up of Piece of Jumbo.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 25, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 19, 2010, by Gregory Walker of La Grange, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,595 times since then and 28 times this year. Last updated on July 30, 2025, by Bill Wingate of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 19, 2010, by Gregory Walker of La Grange, Texas. 3, 4. submitted on July 28, 2011, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 5. submitted on September 19, 2010, by Gregory Walker of La Grange, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
