Atomic Cannon - Fort Riley, Kansas
N 39° 02.279 W 096° 45.791
14S E 693596 N 4323372
The Atomic Cannon is located atop a hill adjacent to Interstate 70 overlooking Fort Riley, Kansas
Waymark Code: WM8PTC
Location: Kansas, United States
Date Posted: 04/29/2010
Views: 47
The atomic cannon was built by the United States in the mid-1950s to hurl nuclear shells far enough that they wouldn't kill the people who fired them. The first atomic cannon went into service in 1952, and was deactivated in 1963. A single 280mm shell was fired seven miles at the Nevada Test site on May 25, 1953. This was the only time a nuclear shell was fired from the cannon. Twenty Atomic Cannon were manufactured; at least 8 appear to have survived the Cold War and are on public display today. The largest atomic cannon sits atop a hill overlooking Fort Riley, Kansas.
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The atomic cannon is located atop a hill dubbed "Freedom Park" overlooking Fort Riley, Kansas. In order to see the cannon visitors are required to hike up a rather steep semi-paved trail to the top of the hill. Once at the top visitors are afforded a wonderful view of the surrounding area.