Nevada Test Site
Nevada Test Site Overview
The nation’s principal nuclear explosives testing laboratory was located within this 1,350 square mile, geologically complex area.
The first nuclear test took place in 1951.
Archeological studies of the testing area have revealed continuous occupation of the area over the past 9,500 years with Southern Paiutes being the most recent Native American inhabitants.
Category
- Event
- Military
- Native American
Marker Type
Blue marker
Nevada Historical Marker Number
Nevada Test Site is Nevada Historical Marker #165.
Click here to view the complete list of Nevada State Historical Markers.
County
GPS Coordinates
36.592657, -116.028351
Nevada Historical Marker Transcription
Tests of devices for defense and for peaceful uses of nuclear explosives have been conducted here since the 1950s. The nation’s principal nuclear explosives testing laboratory was located within this 1,350 square mile, geologically complex area in the isolated valleys of Jackass, Yucca, and Frenchman flats. Selected as the North American test site in 1950, the first test took place on Frenchman Flat in January 1951. Today, the Nevada Test Site is one of the nation’s most important expressions of the Cold War.
Archeological studies of the Nevada Test Site have revealed continuous occupation over the past 9,500 years. Several American Indian cultures are represented. Southern Paiutes were the most recent group to occupy the area.
STATE HISTORICAL MARKER NO. 165
STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE