Oak Ridge in Anderson County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Elza Gate

The Elza Gate

Photographed by Donald Raby

1. Elza Gate Marker

Inscription. From April 1, 1943, until March 19, 1949, this was the site of Elza Gate. Elza Gate was the primary entrance to the secret community of Oak Ridge and along with six other entry points, it was manned by armed guards. Elza Gate took its name from a local community that predated Oak Ridge.

Erected by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 1D 24.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee Historical Commission series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 1, 1943.

Location. 36° 2.776′ N, 84° 12.474′ W. Marker is in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, in Anderson County. It is at the intersection of Oak Ridge Turnpike (U.S. 95) and Melton Lake Drive, on the right when traveling east on Oak Ridge Turnpike. West of L&N RR underpass. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Oak Ridge TN 37830, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in East Tennessee

and in Greater Knoxville.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: A different marker also named Elza Gate (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Anderson County Poor Farm (approx. 1.4 miles away); Castle on the Hill (approx. 2.1 miles away); Integration of Oak Ridge Schools

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(approx. 2.1 miles away); Historic Oak Ridge Playhouse (approx. 2.1 miles away); Jackson Square (approx. 2.1 miles away); The Castle (approx. 2.1 miles away); The Dormitories of Manhattan Project (approx. 2.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oak Ridge.

Regarding Elza Gate. Elza's name was from a local freight depot on L&N Rail Road. The Oak Ridge reservation is bounded on the east by Rail Road and south by Clinch River near this point.

Additional keywords. Oak Ridge, Manhattan Project, Secret City

Photographed by Donald Raby

2. Elza Gate Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on December 17, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 14, 2015, by Donald Raby of Knoxville, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 1,476 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 14, 2015, by Donald Raby of Knoxville, Tennessee. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.