[Train Whistle] Nuclear weapons in the Cold War became a part of Augusta life on November 28, 1950, with the announcement of the construction of the Savannah River Plant in nearby Aiken, Allendale, and Barnwell counties. The creation of the site, though creating numerous jobs, displaced the predominately Black citizens of nearby Ellenton and Dumbarton. Earlier that year, the Atomic Energy Commission selected E. I. DuPont de Nemours to design, build, and operate a facility to manufacture heavy water nuclear reactors. Within two years, over 38,000 engineers and construction employees were working at the 315-square-mile complex. The plant’s first nuclear reactor became operational in October 1952. The first shipment of plutonium occurred one year later. Infrastructures from Augusta to Aiken felt the demands, business startups skyrocketed. This economic boom is attributed to the area’s mild climate. cheap electricity, and non-union labor. In addition to military industries, the region also became home to the production of medical supplies, chemicals, textiles, and golf cars. [Train Whistle]
