Los Alamos quickly became the centerpiece of the Manhattan Project, the United States’ successful attempt to develop a nuclear bomb. But why was Los Alamos selected, and how did that relate to the selection of the subsequent testing site? The above video tells the story of Oppenheimer’s selection of the site and the unique culture that was built there.
Oppenheimer’s secret city, explained
How Los Alamos built Oppenheimer’s bomb.
Phil Edwards was a senior producer for the Vox video team.
Oppenheimer, explained
- What’s the true story behind the atomic test?
- How does the movie use fission and fusion timelines?
- Why was Los Alamos chosen for the Manhattan Project?
- What does the movie get wrong about the man?
- Is Oppenheimer fashion on the way?
- How the movie forces us to the ask new questions about the nuclear arms race.
- What is Barbenheimer?
- Why the atomic bomb is all over pop culture now.
Los Alamos was more than a lab — it was a secret city, built for the express purpose of atomic development. Housing top scientists, their families, and support staff, this island of research led to a century-changing technological development.
Further Reading
- This logistical history provides great non-scientific background on the Manhattan Project, including the selection, distribution, and construction of key sites around the country, as well as a guide to the bureaucracy that surrounded it.
- This Department of Energy history covers similar ground with additional information on the Army Corps of Engineer’s role.
- This document provides a fine-grained look at the nitty-gritty of Los Alamos, from prices at the commissary to accommodations for the residents.
You can find this video and the entire library of Vox’s videos on YouTube.
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