Sign Text for Idaho Landmark #152:
An important page in atomic history was written here on July 17, 1955, when the lights of Arco were successfully powered from atomic energy.
Chosen by the Atomic Energy Commission as an experiment in the peaceful use of atomic power, Arco, Idaho became the first town in the free world to be served by electrical energy developed from the atom. The energy for this experiment was produced at the National Reactor Testing Station in the Arco desert southeast of here.
More about Atoms for Peace:
The name of the reactor that powered Arco for the first time was BORAX III, which was built alongside another reactor, the Experimental Breeder Reactor #1 (EBR-1)! It was built up here in this desolate area on the edge of the Great Rift lava field so if there was a meltdown—which there was on January 3rd, 1961—the loss of life would be kept to a minimum. Today, Arco is no longer powered by atomic energy, as the program ended with the decommissioning of EBR-1.
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Volunteer with the Idaho State Historical Society!
- Become a member of the Idaho State Historical Society!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
How Do I Get There?
554-598 W Grand Ave
Arco, ID 83213
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit?
Whenever the mood strikes you!