This is probably the last trip into the ammunitions facility because of new military regulations as a result of copper thieves. There have been almost daily copper thefts or attempts on portions of the site and some buildings are now locked down. In addition, one small power house has now been demolished and the modern Black Powder Manufacturing Facility is being demolished in stages. Future updates will be in regard to the history of the facility and include archival photographs from the local historical society and library.

 

But there are still hundreds and hundreds of photographs and a boatload of text regarding the ammunitions facility at Abandoned. Look for more updates in the future!

 

1. Construction on this modern black powder manufacturing facility began in 1978. Debugging began later that year into 1979, where it was followed by proveout, where 2,300 pounds of live black powder were produced. It was decommissioned in 1983 with the facility having never seen operation. Government spending at its best! Unfortunately, several of the buildings are being demolished; some will stay for storage since they are so massive in size. These buildings are owned by a state park, and there have been almost-daily copper thefts; locks on the gates are being replaced on an almost daily basis.

 

Ironically, there is a new black powder manufacturing plant elsewhere on the site, operated by a defense contractor.

 

2. Power Plant (Building 2541) was used to power up the Shipping Area, where black powder and bags were sent off to the troops during World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, and partially during the Gulf War. It's now been demolished.

 

 

3. After...

 

4. Pump House (Building 402-3) (more photos)

 

5. Power Plant (Building 401-1) (more photos)

 

6. This is a view inside one of the tanks surrounding the power plant. Later, a friend discovered an archival photograph from the initial construction of the facility that shows an almost identical photograph.

 

7. Sulfuric Acid Concentration House (Building 303-2) (more photos). This is a view of the cooling racks in the adjoining Tank Farm Acid Area (305-2).

 

8. Belden brick from Canton, Ohio.

 

Some general photos from the Propellent and Explosives Area (more photos; newest at bottom).

9. XXX signifies that the building may have black powder or residue that could cause explosions. When the facility was in operation, it boasted the world's best safety records.

 

10. Vats of acids were stored here.

 

11. Laboratory (Building 706-3) in the foreground, and a power plant in the background.

 

12. Laboratory (Building 706-3) in the foreground, and a power plant in the background.

 

Enjoy this (last?) modern set of the munitions plant!

Is this the Bluegrass plant down near in Richmond?  They used to store chem/bio stuff there.

 

 

Nope. Indiana Army Ammunitions Plant in Charlestown :)

I don't know why I love abandoned stuff so much, I guess because it's something no one cares to look at but it's a pretty interesting facility. What are those concrete things sticking up out of the ground? It looks like a graveyard.

^ Former pump house. David, next time I'm in Cincinnati I've gotta take you to an abandonment. The city is a cluster#@^% of abandonments :)

David, next time I'm in Cincinnati I've gotta take you to an abandonment. The city is a cluster#@^% of abandonments :)

 

A guy at my work said something similar to me yesterday but I think he had different intentions.