Nuclear Tests In Nevada And Their Impact On Southern Utah Revealed In Downwinder Archive

The history of testing nuclear weapons in Nevada and the resulting fall out that affected Southern Utah is grim. The University of Utah has a Downwinder of Utah Archive with hundreds of articles in sequence that are chilling to look through. 

A Prolific Testing Detailed in Official Announcements

At the test site in Nevada that is 65 miles from Las Vegas, there were 928 announced nuclear tests that took place from 1951 to 1992. After 1962, these tests took place underground to comply with a treaty. 

For 12 years they set off 100 above ground tests. As you scan the archive of articles and announcements through the years on the University of Utah site, you follow the growing concern the public has about these nuclear weapons tests. 

Government Response: Denial and Distrust

Sheep in Nevada and Utah began to die off in higher numbers. When the concerns were brought to the government, they said the animals had malnutrition. Other stories assured the public there was no danger from nuclear fallout.  

In May of 1953, a test name “Harry” had a surprise wind come up at the last minute and carry radiation over St. George, Utah. They warned people to get inside and to wash their cars from the fallout when it was over. 

Continued Secrecy: Public Alarm and Silent Suffering

Still, the tests continued, and there were assurances to the public that there was no real danger. As more people began to raise the alarm, secrecy and a lack of information surrounded these nuclear tests. 

This archive of articles tells the story as the information begins to come out, and the devastation to animals and humans becomes more apparent. Eventually funds were set up for those who suffered from the tests. 

Read More: This Utah Lake is the Third Most Polluted in America

If you haven’t understood the dark history of nuclear testing and how it affected Southern Utah residents that faced the brunt of the fallout, this archive is eye opening. The testing and its impact continues to be studied today.