Oak Ridge — Oak Ridge continues a year-long celebration of its 75th anniversary as parts of the "secret city" were created from 1942 through 1943 for the Manhattan Project that enriched uranium for the first atomic bombs.
While the origins of this city were ground-breaking, the legacy of the last 75 years could be how the people have remained proud of the past without being stuck in it.
The gates to the secret city opened in 1949. However, the work at the plants remained behind guarded gates. While the grounds may not be in plain sight to passers-by, the work at Y-12 and Oak Ridge National Laboratory is visible every day.
"The touch-screen on your iPhone was developed in Oak Ridge by a couple of people at the lab who went out on their own and produced that technology," said Ray Smith, Oak Ridge historian. "That national lab has grown over the years to be one of the main economic drivers for the state of Tennessee. It is world-renowned with scientific research that impacts what people do in their everyday lives."
The plants in Oak Ridge remained on the forefront of nearly every nuclear technology, be it military applications or energy production. The city has also been able to boast about things ranging from the world's fastest supercomputers, medical breakthroughs, huge 3D printers, revolutionary clothes driers, to the development of longer-lasting batteries. The studies at ORNL have revolutionized smart technologies for home appliances and built more effective home insulation.
With an eye always on the future, the people of Oak Ridge have also worked to make sure the past is not overlooked.
"This belonged to my grandmother, who was a resident here in 1944," said Bobbie Martin as she held a badge with a photo of her grandmother. "The history here matters. My family would not exist if not for my grandparents moving to this city and meeting during the Manhattan Project."
Martin is one of the founders of the Oak Ridge Historical and Preservation Association (ORHPA). The group's growing museum includes countless artifacts from the World War 2 era when scientists in Oak Ridge developed the technology to enrich uranium for the first atomic bombs.
"The history of Oak Ridge means a tremendous amount to us for what it accomplished for the whole world," said Martin. "But the breakthroughs here never stopped. It goes on and on and it keeps happening. We are definitely an area that has made a difference."
The annual Secret City Festival is part of the effort to celebrate the city's heritage. The event started Friday and continues Saturday. More information on the festival and the ongoing 75th anniversary celebration can be found at the link below.