Indiana Army Ammunition Plant

The Indiana Army Ammunition Plant was a large military manufacturing facility spanning 19,000 acres with three separate production areas. It produced smokeless powder and rocket propellant near the Ohio River.

Built in 1941, the facility became the largest smokeless powder manufacturing site in the United States during World War II. It supplied critical ammunition components that supported the nation's wartime efforts.

The facility transformed Charlestown by creating thousands of jobs and bringing together workers from different backgrounds. Women, African American employees, and prisoners of war worked side by side, reshaping the community's identity during the wartime era.

The former military site has been restored and converted; today visitors can explore the River Ridge Commerce Center and Charlestown State Park on the grounds. The expansive area offers room for exploration, but check ahead about access and what portions are open to the public.

During World War II, German prisoners of war worked on the grounds alongside local residents, creating a remarkable cultural and social crossroads. This unusual mix of workers from different nations and backgrounds made the place a rare example of wartime cooperation.