Marker Text
In February 1942 U.S. Senator George Norris announced the selection of a central Nebraska site for a new military ordnance plant. On March 25 a condemnation action was filed in federal court against 92 farm properties located northwest of Grand Island. The site selected included 12,800 acres across 20 sections in Center and Harrison townships. The boundary lines for the proposed plant spanned four miles, east and west, and five miles, north and south.
Owners and tenants were given 30 days to vacate their property by April 25, 1942. The government retained barns and outbuildings for tool buildings, machine sheds, and warehouses. Property owners could move their houses with government approval.
The evacuation order affected both homes and livelihoods. While some farmers found land elsewhere to rent or buy, others felt they had no choice but to sell all their livestock and equipment. Two weeks after being served, one farmer advertised a “Hit by a Bomb Plant” farm sale.
Location
W Airport Rd & 70th Rd N, south of Abbott, Nebraska and northwest of Grand Island, Nebraska. View the marker’s location HERE.
