As part of a government project, Mississippi was the site of two nuclear tests in the 1960s. Pretty significant, they are the only nuclear detonations to ever occur in the eastern United States. Surprisingly, not many residents know about this part of the state’s past. Luckily, we came across some great photos of the testing. Take a look:
In an effort to determine if underground nuclear tests were detectable, the government came up with Project Dribble. The project consisted of two parts - Project Salmon and Project Sterling.
Mississippi Department of Archives and History
Scheduled for September 22, 1964, Project Salmon would include detonating a nuclear device 2,700’ beneath the Earth’s surface.
Mississippi Department of Archives and History
The project had to be rescheduled several times due to wind direction. The delay led to a lot of waiting around by media…
Mississippi Department of Archives and History
…and residents.
Mississippi Department of Archives and History
Finally on October 22nd, a 5-kiloton nuclear device was set off 28 miles from Hattiesburg in the Tatum Salt Dome. It was about 1/3 the power of the bomb that destroyed Hiroshima!
Mississippi Department of Archives and History
And the explosion’s power was definitely felt. According to records, “The earth rose and roiled in waves, pecans fell from trees, dogs howled in fear, creeks ran black with disturbed sediment, and buildings 30 miles away swayed for minutes on end.”
Mississippi Department of Archives and History
As a precaution, 400 residents were evacuated from the area. Residents were paid for their inconvenience – adults received $10, children were paid $5.
Mississippi Department of Archives and History
The detonation definitely had some repercussions. Many residents, like Horace Burge (pictured), returned home to find a good bit of damage.
Mississippi Department of Archives and History
In fact, within a week of the explosion, hundreds of residents filed damage claims. Residents cited issues, such as “burst pipes, cracked masonry, and suddenly dry wells.”
Mississippi Department of Archives and History
Two years later, Project Sterling was executed. This time, a much smaller bomb was set off inside the cavity created by the original explosion.
Mississippi Department of Archives and History
Just as scientists suspected, the 2nd detonation was almost completely muffled by the cavity.
Mississippi Department of Archives and History
Learn more about Project Dribble in the video below.
Mississippi Department of Archives and History
Mississippi Department of Archives and History
So, did you know about Mississippi’s nuclear history? Did you live in the area at the time? Tell us in the comments section.
Can’t get enough vintage photos of the Magnolia State? Click here.
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