SCIENCETECH · HISTORICAL MARKER
The World’s First Nuclear Reactor
Darien, Illinois
Science & Tech
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The world’s first nuclear reactor was rebuilt at this site in 1943 after initial operation at the University of Chicago. This reactor (CP-2) and the first heavy water moderated reactor (CP-3) were major facilities around which Argonne National Laboratory developed. This site was released by the laboratory in 1956, and the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission then buried the reactors here.
PHOTOS
Photo: Rev. Ronald Irick
Photo: Archived pic
Photo: Rev. Ronald Irick
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Darien, Illinois · USA
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