Socorro in Socorro County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Jumbo

Photographed By Gregory Walker, May 16, 2010

1. Jumbo Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

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.

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. Marker is at the intersection of Plaza Street and Center Street, on the right when traveling east on Plaza Street. 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.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

are within walking distance of this marker. Abeyta Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Socorro (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Juan Jose Baca House (about 600 feet away); Church of the Epiphany (about 600 feet away); The Garcia Opera House (about 600 feet away); Knights of Pythias Hall (about 700 feet away); Price Lowenstein Mercantile (about 800 feet away); Jesus Maria Torres House (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Socorro.

Regarding Jumbo. A section of Jumbo containing a complete circumference is on display at the Trinity Site.

Jumbo Marker With Piece of Jumbo in Front. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Gregory Walker, May 16, 2010

2. Jumbo Marker With Piece of Jumbo in Front.

Rear View of the Jumbo Marker image. Click for full size.

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

Close-up of Piece of Jumbo. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Gregory Walker, May 16, 2010

5. Close-up of Piece of Jumbo.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 19, 2010, by Gregory Walker of La Grange, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,084 times since then and 134 times this year. 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. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.