McDonald Ranch House

The McDonald Ranch House, located in the Oscura Mountains of New Mexico, is a historic site known for being the assembly location of the world's first nuclear weapon, the plutonium Fat Man bomb, in July 1945. Built in 1913 by Franz Schmidt and later acquired by the McDonald family, the ranch was taken over by the U.S. Army during World War II. After years of deterioration, it was restored by the National Park Service to its 1945 appearance and is now open to visitors twice a year. The site offers a glimpse into a pivotal moment in history, making it a significant destination for tourists and researchers alike.