Oak Ridge, Tennessee, nestled between the Appalachian and Cumberland Mountains has been a well kept secret since the 1940’s.  I’d heard of the Manhattan Project but never took time to sit down and read all about it.  Now that I’ve visited Oak Ridge, I don’t think just reading about it suffices.  The story of Oak Ridge is one that must be told with many photographs such as those of Ed Westcott’s – the official government photographer of the Manhattan Project and unofficially the photographer for the people who lived in the secret city during the WWII era. 

Literally “overnight” a small Tennessee mountain town grew into 75,000 strong citizens who would serve selflessly for their country through the cloak of secrecy commanded by the federal government.  This mixture of surrounding farmers and mountain families along with some of the world’s most intelligent physicists, mathematicians, doctors, and scientists would ultimately shape Oak Ridge into the place it is today – a mecca of scientists and technologists whose innovations are affecting everything

from robotics to internet advances.

Seniors who come to Oak Ridge, Tennessee are interested in the atomic history of the WW II era.  In talking with a number of seniors, I found that many of them had engineer type degrees or had worked in related fields.  Some had family members involved in WW II, while others were interested in some aspect of the Tennessee lifestyle.  One thing is for sure – whatever brings you to Oak Ridge, Tennessee will change your life forever.  The citizens across Anderson County are proud of their heritage and they seem to have solidarity like no other city.  Perhaps that is because their forefathers had to keep the atomic activity secret from the world.  As that part of an era came to a close, the residents of this secret city had to find ways to pick up their lives and move forward. 

Today, you’ll find Oak Ridge eclectic, colorful, and entertaining.  Fun and information can be found to go hand in hand.  Scientists and physicians are continuing to work in nuclear realms helping refine the advent of nuclear medicine toward more valuable diagnostic abilities.  What once would have been considered “science fiction,” is now being touted as medical breakthroughs.  On the lighter side, visitors will find an array of entertaining venues which will keep you busy from beginning of adventure to the end.

While in Oak Ridge, there are the “must sees” which are:  the tours of the AMSE (American Museum of Science and Energy) where you’ll learn about cutting edge technology and attend live demonstrations; WW II Manhattan Project Sites – a self guided auto tour map of World War II’s secret city.  This tour will give you the opportunity to experience the rich history of the area at your own pace.  Allow 1-3 hours for the tour; secret city scenic excursion rain – which involves riding a 12 mile train tour which takes you behind the K-25 Manhattan Project.  Allow 2 hours for this and expect a small fee charge.  Beverages and snacks can be purchased on the tour.

Visit the Museum of Appalachia where you’ll find pre-WW II artifacts and the heritage of these mountain folks.  Meet John Rice Irwin’s open-air rustic cabins which house the most authentic and complete replica of pioneer Appalachian life in the world.  Thirty log cabins including a chapel, a schoolhouse, and barns are open to the public during daylight hours.  Wear comfortable walking shoes and give yourself about three hours for this fine experience. (See previously published article by editor, John C. Jones in archives.)

This is an "Editor's Choice" of palces to visit in the South.

Several highlights of this Oak Ridge trip are visiting the Oak Ridge Art Center and the Children’s museum.  National and local artisans’ works are displayed and there are art classes for all ages.  The Children’s museum is a sprawling 50,000 square feet with rooms decorated of the children’s Appalachian way of life, rain forest, living doll house, numerous art rooms, music rooms with colorful murals.  The children who lived in Oak Ridge during the WW II era needed a life as normal as possible.  You’ll also see more of Ed Westcott’s photography as he portrayed the home life of the children and their families. 

If all these aren’t enough for your vacationing pleasure, look into playing golf, house boating, fishing, or birding.  Oak Ridge, Tennessee’s secrets will open up to you.  Happy Traveling Senios!

(Photos by Rhonda Pipkin, and the photography of Ed Westcott of the WWII era)