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 Photo by See-Tennessee.com The American Museum of Science and Energy traces the development of the atomic bomb in Oak Ridge, America's "Secret City" built in World War II. Anderson County was formed in 1801 from parts of Knox and Grainger counties. It was named in honor of U.S Senator Joseph Anderson, who also served as a territorial judge in nearby Knoxville. Agriculture and coal mining were the leading industries in the county's early history, but two critical decisions by the federal government in the 20th century forever changed the way the county will be remembered. First, during the 1930s, President Roosevelt and Congress created the Tennessee Valley Authority, which led to the first major construction project -- Norris Dam -- being built in Anderson County. The dam controlled area flooding and brought electricity to county residents. Secondly, the county played a significant role in world history during World War II. The city of Oak Ridge was created under a shroud of secrecy for the historic Manhattan Project sites, where scientists developed the world's first atomic bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima in 1945. Almost overnight, America's "Secret City" became the state's fifth-largest city. These historic events are chronicled at the world-class American Museum of Science and Energy in Oak Ridge. Another important attraction in Anderson County is the acclaimed Museum of Appalachia, located in Norris. |
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