Newport News, Virginia: Atomic Cannon: Prototype or No. 1?
RoadsideAmerica.com Team Field Report
Virginia War Museum
- Address:
- 9285 Warwick Blvd, Newport News, VA
- Directions:
- On the grounds of the Virginia War Museum. I-64 exit 263. Drive south on US-258 for 3.5 miles. Exit right onto US-60 toward Ft, Eustis. Immediately turn left at the first stoplight onto Hornet Circle, then a quick right into the parking lot. You'll see cannon in the park, up along the south side of US-60.
- Hours:
- Museum M-Sa 9-4:30, Su 1-4:30 (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
- Phone:
- 757-247-8523
- RA Rates:
- Worth a Detour
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20 Atomic Cannons were made. Is this the first one, or just a non-atomic prototype?
Roadsideamerica.com Report... [06/28/2020]Visitor Tips and News About Atomic Cannon: Prototype or No. 1?
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This was the original prototype for the Atomic Cannon, of which around 20 were eventually built. It was completed in early 1953. The idea was that it could fire a nuclear warhead far enough that it wouldn't kill the gunnery crew. Apparently the designers got a case of Nuclear Jitters, because all subsequent Atomic Cannons were slightly larger.
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