Hawthorne, like many other towns in Nevada, had its beginnings as a railroad town and served as a significant stop between Reno and Tonopah. The daily life of this industrious and tranquil community continued uninterrupted until a heartbreaking incident occurred in a distant part of the country.
In 1926, a devastating explosion at a United States Naval Ammunition Depot in New Jersey caused shrapnel to scatter across the densely populated neighborhood, resulting in the tragic loss of 21 lives. Following this catastrophe, the U.S. Navy commenced their search for a less crowded location to store ammunition and ultimately chose the modest community of Hawthorne in 1928.
Within two years, the Hawthorne Naval Ammunition Depot was constructed, and by 1930, the first shipment of powerful explosives arrived. With its establishment came Hawthorne’s new identity as a military town, which eventually earned the moniker of “America’s Patriotic Home.” Currently, it stands as the largest ammunition depot worldwide.
In the present day, tourists are afforded the opportunity to delve deeper into Hawthorne’s esteemed history through the remarkable and vast collection of historical artifacts
housed at the Hawthorne Ordnance Museum.
Within its walls, visitors are greeted with a plethora of exhibits showcasing various types of ammunition dating back to the early years of the 20th century. Additionally, they have the chance to explore the region’s rich munitions heritage.
Beyond the array of ammunition on display, the museum houses a diverse range of vintage and classic military uniforms, photographs, memorabilia, newspaper clippings from momentous dates in history, and intriguing insights into the community of Hawthorne itself.
Hawthorne Ordnance Museum
925 E Street
Hawthorne, NV 89415
(775) 945-5400
https://www.HawthorneOrdnanceMuseum.com