Trinity Site, NM (April 2nd, 2011)

Trinity Site is a national historic landmark on White Sands Missile Range in the Socorro Mountains of New Mexico.  It was where the first atomic bomb was tested on July 16, 1945.  The shock wave of this bomb broke windows 120 miles away and was felt by many at least 160 miles away.

It was later then, on August 6, 1945 that the first atomic bomb was exploded over Hiroshima, Japan.  Then three days later the 3rd atomic bomb devastated the City of Nagasaki which then resulted in the Japanese surrender on August 14, 1945.

We were very surprised there was not much of a crater; only described by eyewitnesses as a small depression rather than a distinct crater.  It was only 4 feet deep and 240 feet in diameter.  The blast, however, did vaporize the 100 foot steel tower it was stationed upon before detonation.  This in turn melted the desert sand and turned it into a green glassy substance called Trinitite and small pieces can still be found on this area now called Ground Zero.   We were allowed to walk upon Ground Zero where the monument was built and you can read the history on the plaques posted on a fence surrounding this area.  There was also a replica of the bomb can be seen near the entrance and it is called Jumbo.

We also toured the George McDonald ranch house built in 1913 made of adobe which was where the atomic bomb assembled.  Trinity Open Houses are only conducted on the first Saturday in April & October each year; and starting in 2012 they will be charging visitors to tour this site.

A very interesting place to visit indeed!!!!    www.wsmr.army.mil