RICHLAND, Wash. – As the world reflects on the 80th anniversary of the atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki, Japan, the connection between Nagasaki and Hanford remains significant.
Richland, Washington, played a crucial role during World War II as part of the Manhattan Project, a government operation that brought together some of the brightest minds to control nuclear energy.
Becky Burghart from the Manhattan Project National Historic Park shared insights about the history. “This was a brand new weapon… brand new type of weapon… Nagasaki and Hanford are forever in the history book,” said Burghart.
Richland was developed to house workers of the Manhattan Project, existing in secrecy while scientists at Hanford produced the plutonium used in the bomb, nicknamed “Fat-Man,” which was dropped on Nagasaki on August 9th, 1945, killing tens of thousands.
Burghart emphasized the novelty and power of these weapons, saying, “It was something brand new, like people didn’t know atomic bombs could exist. And so trying to steam wrap your mind around not only the massive power of these weapons, but this is new. This is just a completely something very different.”
The discovery’s impact is still felt today, altering global interactions and the threat of nuclear war. “You learn about something, it seems like 80 years ago. That was a long time ago. But the it’s still the history is relevant today and it’s part of our community,” Burghart added.
The Manhattan Project’s discoveries marked a turning point in history. “This is when humans really figured out how to control the power of the atom. It dawned the nuclear age, and it’s akin to when humans, learned how to control fire,” Burghart stated.
The REACH Museum in Richland offers more information on engaging with the local history of the Tri-Cities. For further details, visit their website.
