Hawthorne Army Depot

Hawthorne Army Depot is a military ammunition storage facility in Nevada's desert landscape containing thousands of reinforced storage bunkers. The site handles ammunition storage, maintenance, and the safe disposal of military ordnance.

The depot was established in 1930 following a major explosion at another naval ammunition facility to create a safer storage system. During World War II, it became a crucial supply center employing thousands of workers.

The facility shaped Hawthorne by drawing military and civilian workers who built a skilled workforce in ammunition logistics. The local community's identity and economy remain closely tied to this military industrial purpose.

The facility operates under strict security protocols and is not open to the public. Access is limited to authorized military and contractor personnel involved in operations.

The site operates geothermal wells and a groundwater treatment plant alongside its ammunition operations. This environmental infrastructure integration is uncommon for military facilities of this scale.

Location: Nevada

GPS coordinates: 38.47694,-118.65778

Latest update: December 6, 2025 21:27