Talk:Los Alamos, New Mexico

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[edit] War restrictions

Does anyone know what kind of restrictions were put on civilians travelling to or working in Los Alamos during WWII and the cold war? Could Los Alamos fit the description of a "Closed city"? Seabhcán 11:00, 6 Jun 2005 (UTC)


I'm just jumping in here, without using the tutorial or sandbox first (no time tonite -- it's late), but since I grew up in Los Alamos during the early 50's, I can say that:

Yes, Los Alamos was a "closed city" in that not only did LASL (Los Alamos Scientific Laboratories) employees have to have a pass to get into their various work sites, but one had to have a pass verifying residency to show the security guards at the gates when entering the town.  Traveling salespeople, etc., could obtain temporary passes.  

There weren't really any restrictions on lifestyle for civilians that I remember, except that certain areas in the surrounding canyons were fenced off and had limited access due to possible contamination from testing of high explosives, most or all of which were NON-nuclear (nuclear tests were conducted in or over the Pacific Ocean, mainly). There was another testing site (Jackass Flats) in Nevada.

During the war, employees and civilians were forbidden to reveal to outsiders the nature of the Manhattan Project ("Loose lips sink ships"), and after the war, employees were forbidden to reveal "classified" or "sensitive" information regarding weapons development or other "top secret" information. Certain jobs and access to certain sites required a "Q clearance" (security clearance) from the laboratory administration.

 In 1957 or '58, the town was "opened up" and anyone could enter without a pass.  Passes were still required to get into the laboratory buildings, however.  The guard gate buildings are still standing, but the actual lane barriers and booths across the road have been removed.  The laboratory has always had its own security force separate from the Los Alamos Police Department.

[edit] Photo does not do the town justice

The only photo displayed for this article captures one of the most unsightly areas in a very beautiful town. Since I will be in Los Alamos somtime this summer, I'll be sure to take some pictures, representing the real, Los Alamos.EnglishEfternamntalkcontribs 22:37, 8 May 2007 (UTC)