Richland, Hanford and White Bluffs

In 1943 the small farming towns of Richland, White Bluffs, and Hanford were taken over by the United States Government.  About 1500 residents were asked to clear out so that the Army could build a secret facility to help build a special new weapon.

Manhattan Project

Within a year, the sparsely populated area turned into a community of 50,000. Workers employed at the Hanford Engineering Works, part of the Manhattan Project came alone and lived in dorms, or brought their families and moved into trailers or alphabet houses...

Top Secret!

 What workers did was so secretive that even husbands and wives who both worked at Hanford couldn't tell each other what their jobs were!  This picture shows a sign maker at work, reminding people to "Keep Hanford Business to Yourself!"

The B Reactor contributed the plutonium for the first atomic bombs.

Interested in learning more about the early reactors?  Click here to go to the B Reactor Museum Association webpage.

Housing in Richland

Some families lived in trailers, and single people lived in military style barracks. 

Hundred of houses, more than twenty-six different styles, were also built.  Some were called alphabet houses because they were identified by letter!

If you live in Richland, you may live in one of these houses.  Click here to see all the alphabet house pictures (scroll down the left column to Architectural History).

For more history, visit the National Atomic Museum in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Another great photographic history site is sponsored by Children of the Manhattan Project.. 

Click here for more detail about Hanford History.

How much did the Manhattan Project Cost?

Project Leadership!

General Leslie Groves -  Director of the Manhattan Engineer District (best known as the Manhattan Project), which developed the atomic bomb.

Using experience he had gained when he directed the construction of the Pentagon, Groves pushed for the quickest possible creation and use of the atomic bomb, using multiple methods and regardless of expense.

Captain Arlene Scheidenheln was the Captain of Hanford's Women's Army Corps or WAC. 

The WAC's, as they were known, provided many vital services.  Her strong leadership earned her a spot on Mademoiselle Magazine list of the "Top 10 Women of 1945."

Learn more about the WAC

Colonel Franklin T. Matthias was commander of the Hanford Engineer Works, imagine being in charge of 51,000 military and civilian employees!

He must have been so busy, he never got his picture taken.

Are you interested in having a classroom presentation on Hanford?  We've got cool, hands-on projects to help kids understand the challenges and importance of Hanford Cleanup.  Please email Ginger Wireman - Environmental Education and Outreach Specialist, or call 372-7935.