Building 470

Building 470, also known as the Pilot Plant or 'Anthrax Tower', was a significant Cold War-era structure located at Fort Detrick in Frederick, Maryland. This seven-story building was primarily used for the small-scale production of biological warfare agents, including anthrax, during the 1950s and 60s. Its unique design featured a hermetically sealed environment with a powerful ventilation system to prevent contamination. After ceasing production in 1965, it was transferred to the National Cancer Institute in 1988 but was ultimately demolished in 2003 due to structural deterioration. The building's history reflects the complex interplay between military research and public health, making it a point of interest for both tourists and researchers exploring the legacy of biological warfare and its transition to cancer research.