New York is famous for its skyscrapers, museums, and landmarks, but did you know that it also has a secret nuclear facility that is now a ghost town of tunnels? The facility, located in Clarksville, was once a part of the U.S. nuclear weapons program during the Cold War. It was one of the 13 nuclear weapons storage facilities in the country, and at one time, it held about a third of the U.S. nuclear arsenal. It was also a target for the Soviet Union, which ranked it as high as No. 3 on its list of sites to destroy in case of a nuclear war.
The History of Clarksville Base
Clarksville Base was established in 1948 as a joint operation between the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) and the Armed Forces Special Weapons Project (AFSWP). It was built on a former Army base that was used as a prisoner of war camp during World War II. The base was divided into two areas: the “Q” area, where the nuclear weapons were stored and assembled, and the “A” area, where the administrative and support facilities were located. The “Q” area was surrounded by a double fence, guarded by armed personnel, and protected by various security measures, such as alarms, cameras, and dogs. The “A” area was less secure, but still restricted to authorized personnel.
The base employed both civilian and military workers, who had to follow strict rules and procedures to handle the nuclear weapons. They also had to maintain a high level of secrecy, as the existence and location of the base were classified. The workers lived in nearby towns, such as Clarksville and Hopkinsville, and commuted to the base daily.
The base operated for 20 years, from 1948 to 1968, and during that time, it stored and assembled various types of nuclear weapons, such as bombs, warheads, and missiles. Some of the weapons were transported to other sites for deployment, while others were kept in reserve. The base also conducted inspections, maintenance, and testing of the weapons.
The Closure and Abandonment of Clarksville Base
In the late 1960s, the U.S. government decided to consolidate and reduce its nuclear weapons stockpile, as a result of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks. Clarksville Base was one of the sites that was selected for closure, as it was deemed obsolete and redundant. The base was officially deactivated in 1968, and the nuclear weapons were removed and transferred to other locations. The base was then turned over to the Army, which used it for various purposes, such as training, storage, and disposal. The Army also demolished some of the buildings and structures, and filled in some of the tunnels and bunkers.
However, the Army did not completely destroy or remove all the traces of the base’s nuclear past. Many of the facilities and features of the base were left intact, such as the fences, gates, signs, roads, and bridges. Some of the tunnels and bunkers were also accessible, though they were mostly empty and dark. The base became a ghost town of tunnels, attracting curious explorers, urban adventurers, and history buffs.
The Legacy and Future of Clarksville Base
Clarksville Base is a unique and fascinating site that offers a glimpse into the history and secrets of the Cold War era. It is also a reminder of the dangers and challenges of nuclear weapons, and the need for peace and cooperation among nations. The base is now a part of the Fort Campbell Military Reservation, and it is under the jurisdiction of the Army. The Army has plans to preserve and restore some of the historic buildings and structures, and to open the base to the public for tours and education. The Army also has plans to clean up and secure the site, and to prevent any unauthorized access or vandalism. The base is still a sensitive and restricted area, and anyone who wishes to visit it must obtain permission and follow the rules and regulations.
Clarksville Base is a secret nuclear facility in New York that is now a ghost town of tunnels. It was a vital and strategic part of the U.S. nuclear weapons program, and it played a significant role in the Cold War. It is also a valuable and interesting historical and cultural resource, and it deserves to be protected and preserved for future generations.