Photo by See-Tennessee.com   Shhhhh!: It's Oak Ridge, a WWII Secret City OAK RIDGE, Tenn. -- This city born of war, living for peace and growing through science, offers a unique blend of the past, present and future to visitors of East Tennessee. In 1942, the world was at war. Tennessee was gearing up, as was the rest of the nation, to do its part in the war effort. No one knew then that a small valley in East Tennessee would play such a big role in ending World War II. This area was chosen as the site for the historic Manhattan Project. Visitors can now discover the once "secret city" created by America to develop its mightiest military tools and the technology that earned the U.S. the title "Super Power." Visitors can begin their tour with the history of the Manhattan Project in the "Oak Ridge Story" room at the American Museum of Science and Energy (AMSE). Science and technology come to life in this free museum through interactive displays and live demonstrations at one of the world's largest energy exhibits. Depart AMSE with a step-on guide and visit Oak Ridge historic sites. Take your photograph at the International Friendship Bell, the first monument between Japan and a U.S. Manhattan Project city; visit the free Museum of Fine Art, featuring the works of local and regional artists; and see the Chapel on the Hill, the only church used during WWII. Stop in Jackson Square, the original town site of Oak Ridge, for lunch in one of several locally-owned restaurants, including the Bleu Hound Grille, Big Ed's Pizza, the Daily Grind, or the Soup Kitchen. Leave time to visit with some of the local merchants in Jackson Square or the adjacent Greenwich Village Mall. At night you can travel 200 years in 15 minutes to the Museum of Appalachia for an "Evening in Old Appalachia." A fun-filled evening will include a self-guided tour of the 65-acre museum, barbecue dinner, entertainment by a bluegrass band and shopping time in the old country store. Groups will be pleased with the warm hospitality they receive while staying at one of eight quality hotels in Oak Ridge. From full-service to economical, a variety of accommodations await groups for resting after a full day of activities. Start the next day with a tour of the Historic Graphite Reactor, the world's first fully operational reactor. Shut down in the 1960s, the reactor is on the National Register of Historic Landmarks. Visit the New Bethel Church Interpretative Center, one of the last remnants of the Bethel community. This church was used as a meeting facility for scientists and features a historic cemetery as well as WWII displays. Visitors are fascinated by the Secret City Scenic Excursion Train at East Tennessee Technology Park (ETTP), the former K-25 Manhattan Project facility. The 12-mile train ride offers visitors a unique glance at this former secret facility and continues through the scenic countryside along Poplar Creek. Groups can charter the train or plan to visit during limited spring, summer and fall weekend runs. For the kid in everyone, the nationally-recognized Children's Museum of Oak Ridge is a must visit. Featuring a child-sized dollhouse exhibit, WWII Oak Ridge photographer Ed Wescott exhibit, and the new rainforest room, this wonderful museum offers something for everyone. Don't miss the newly dedicated Wheat Community African Burial Ground located across from ETTP. Dating back to the 1850s, this cemetery includes a beautiful monument dedicated to the many anonymous slaves who sacrificed their lives to help build this country. On day three, visitors are encouraged to enjoy some of our world-class recreation opportunities. Take a gentle walking tour of the 250-acre University of Tennessee Arboretum. The arboretum offers 2,500 species of plants that can be accessed through four self-guided walking tours ranging from a half-mile to two miles of relaxing hiking. Drive along the Clinch River to the Oak Ridge Marina and visit one of the best 2,000-meter rowing courses in the United States. Top competitive rowers gather annually to compete in a number of elite events. The course was also used as a training facility for a number of 1996 Olympic teams. Finally, visitors can make their way to Norris Dam State Park to discover where the power was supplied for the Manhattan Project. Norris, the first dam built in the Tennessee Valley Authority's system, extends 72 miles up the Clinch River and 56 miles up the Powell River. Offering more than 800 miles of shoreline, the Norris Lake area is ideal for scenic beauty, fishing, boating and more. For more information on visiting historic Oak Ridge, call the Convention and Visitors Bureau at (800) 887-3429. Oak Ridge is located between two major interstates, I-75 and I-40, in the heart of East Tennessee. Additionally, McGhee Tyson Airport, serving 10 major airlines, is less than a 30-minute scenic drive to the city. Return to Anderson County Home © 2001-2008 Devault Interactive. All rights reserved.