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Always More to Explore

Born in war and rich in natural beauty, Oak Ridge is the “Secret City” with a big story to tell. From the peaceful waterfront to the innovative achievements, there is always more to explore in Oak Ridge.

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Pressed for Time? Check out some of our curated Iteneraries below!

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Historical Vault

Clinton Engineer Works

In 1943, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, then known only as the Clinton Engineer Works, was conspicuously absent from any map. On 60,000 acres of farmland framed by the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, it was one of the United States’ three secret cities—remote sites chosen by Manhattan Project director Gen. Leslie Groves, evacuated of their civilian inhabitants, and developed for the specific purpose of producing an atomic bomb. The men and women of the Clinton Engineer Works would help provide the material for the bomb.

More History

Manhattan Project Park

Historical Vault

Clinton Engineer Works

In 1943, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, then known only as the Clinton Engineer Works, was conspicuously absent from any map. On 60,000 acres of farmland framed by the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, it was one of the United States’ three secret cities—remote sites chosen by Manhattan Project director Gen. Leslie Groves, evacuated of their civilian inhabitants, and developed for the specific purpose of producing an atomic bomb. The men and women of the Clinton Engineer Works would help provide the material for the bomb.

More History

Manhattan Project Park

Oak Ridge Boy Makes it Big in K-town

He's not even a year old and he has ridden his motorcycle on the Dragon, met the UT Mascot Smokey, welcomed collegiate rowers to Oak Ridge, raised money for charity and had selfies with hundreds of people in East Tennessee, but who is he? Well, his name is Sinan and he is the cutest squirrel [...]

Manhattan Project Park featured on Road Trips and Coffee

The Manhattan Project National Historical Park was established in 2015 and spans between 3 different states that were instrumental in helping end World War II. Exploring a National Park can be confusing, especially since the sites are scattered throughout the town and some are located on Department of Energy land. If you want to explore [...]

Honoring Genetics Pioneer, Legacy Scientist Liane Russell

Oak Ridge is mourning the loss of internationally recognized researcher Dr. Liane “Lee” Branch Russell. Lee passed away on Saturday, July 20, 2019 at the age of 95. Funeral arrangements are being planned at Martin Oak Ridge Funeral Home. Fleeing Nazi-controlled Austria as a child, Lee eventually came to America earning her citizenship and quickly [...]

Oak Ridge Featured on My Wanderlusty Life

Popular travel blog My Wanderlusty Life has published a lovely story detailing seven things to do on your visit to Oak Ridge, TN. The author originally became interested in Oak Ridge when she randomly came across a copy of the wonderful book The Girls of the Atomic City while shopping one day in Target. [...]

Oak Ridge Remembers the Life of Ed Westcott

Oak Ridgers have heavy hearts today, as the news of the passing of Ed Westcott made the headlines. According to the Knoxville News Sentinel, Westcott passed peacefully around 7 a.m. on Friday, March 29, 2019. Westcott turned 97 years old on January 20, and he had an incredible life being the only photographer in Oak [...]

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follow @exploreoakridge and use hashtag #exploreoakridge

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