Oak Ridge was the “secret city” in WWII where a part of the first atomic bomb was developed. This whole city was created and “hidden” in a valley 30 miles northwest of Knoxville. The museum and VC shares space with the Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge and is housed in one of the original school buildings built in the frantic expansion from four tiny sleepy rural communities to a bustling purposeful city. Driving around Oak Ridge you can see original buildings and houses across the town. Much of it is gone but lots still here to view. Amazing project. Not especially scenic - so a bit tough to get “nice” photos but what a great place to visit. I knew several people from our six plus years in the area who worked both during and after WWII. This is number 220 in our NPS quest.
Manhattan Project National Historic Site
