The Able Traveler: A Touch of Nostalgia in Eastern Tennessee

Located just 25 miles west of Knoxville, the city of Oak Ridge has long been veiled in secrecy. Created by presidential order in 1942, this Eastern Tennessee town, was an integral part of the Manhattan Project. And although most of the residents knew they were involved in the war effort, they were totally unaware they were producing plutonium for the first atomic bomb.

Today the gates are open and the guard shacks are gone, but a nostalgic air still hangs over Oak Ridge. It's a great place to step back in time, learn a little history and just enjoy the ambiance of this all-American town.

Oak Ridge Primer

The best place to get a good overview of the Oak Ridge story is at the American Museum of Science & Energy (tel. 865/576-3200; www.amse.org). Located off the Oak Ridge Turnpike, the museum highlights local history, the Manhattan Project and the crucial role Oak Ridge played in the development of the atomic bomb.

Access is excellent throughout the museum, with a level entrance, elevator access to all floors, and plenty of room to roll around the galleries. Downstairs, you'll find photos, artifacts and personal recollections about 1940s Oak Ridge life; while the upstairs exhibits focus on plutonium processing and the construction of the atomic bomb

And don't miss the Ed Westcott photos in the lobby, and the exhibit dedicated to his work in the downstairs gallery. As the official photographer of the Manhattan Project for the Army Corps of Engineers, Ed shot an interesting mix of cultural and historical photographs. His photographs not only offer insight into 1940s Oak Ridge life, but they also make a good Oak Ridge primer.

View from the Train

For a different perspective of Oak Ridge, hop aboard the Secret City Scenic Excursion Train (tel. 865/241-2140; www.southernappalachia.railway.museum). Operated by an all volunteer crew the restored 1940s rail cars run along track that was laid in 1943, to serve the Manhattan Project.

The one-hour train tour travels 14 miles through the area surrounding the K-25 Gaseous Diffusion Plant, along Popular Creek and through the beautiful Eastern Tennessee hills. Accessible parking is located in the nearby lot, with lift-access to the concession car. Although the doorway to the coach car is too narrow for wheelchairs, the open air concession car is a very pleasant place to enjoy the journey.

All in all, it's a fun ride; a must-do train buffs, and a great way to step back in time for anybody interested in Oak Ridge history.

Candy Harrington is the editor of Emerging Horizons and the author of 101 Accessible Vacations; Travel Ideas for Wheelers and Slow Walkers. She blogs regularly about accessible travel issues at www.barrierfreetravels.com.

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