Posted by Edward C. Weaver (65.33.246.3) on February 29, 2004 at 18:34:18:
In Reply to: airiel photo of nts posted by walter keiser on February 22, 2004 at 22:33:02:
Walter,
In the early 50's, middle 60's one of my jobs at NTS was to conduct physical inventory of all areas at that location under the responsibility of the Atomic Energy Commission. I think your aerial photo request would be unanswered, as I cannot imagine the government allowing any photos to the public that would allow any past or future activity to be displayed. Your reason for wanting the photos with regards to wagon tracks brought to mind something I would like to share with you.
During an inventory in the Frenchmen Flats area, I noticed deep wagon tracks clear across the dry lake and was told by an employee named Kenny Case, (Atomic Cowboy) who herded cattle in that area told me that the Las Vegas/Tonopah/Reno Stagecoach on every other trip from Las Vegas would travel the Tonopah Highway and make a right turn at Indian Springs Dry Lake, traveling down the lake several miles would take a left across a mountain pass into Frenchmen Flats (Area 5). Then continue to travel across the dry lake, stopping at Cane Springs for water, and then on to the town of Womonie, before continuing its route to Tonopah and Reno. The ghost town of Womonie now sits directly under the area 400 Administration Building, and is lost to history for everybody. During the rainy season at NTS most of the dry lakes would hold water for a long time. The stage traveling across Frenchmen, would leave a deep trail because of the heavy weight of the freight/passenger stagecoaches. I thought this might be interesting to your son who is looking at this from a history standpoint. You can also tell him that I was privileged in the early 50's to travel the Forty Mile Canyon area that perimeters NTS. During one of my trips I saw old wagon wheels, broken hubs, spokes, oxen yokes. This area is now being protected by the Department of Energy and would leave me to believe that some of those items are still there.
The history of Nevada is a very interesting subject. Hope your son continues in his quest for historical knowledge.
regards,
Ed Weaver
Ocala, Fl.