The Manhattan Project

In 1941, fearing that German scientists were developing technology to create a chain reaction, President Roosevelt approved a project to develop a new atomic military weapon. The University was chosen as a center of research for the project, and a test reactor was constructed under the code name Metallurgical Laboratory (Met Lab). The nuclear reaction Chicago Pile-1 was demonstrated in 1942 in the squash court beneath the west stands of Stagg Field just north of 57th Street.

Eckhart and Ryerson were both commandeered throughout the project for research activities and their laboratories were taken over and refashioned for experiments related to the work. Other rooms were used for project meetings. Top-secret discussions were sometimes held under the “Counsel Tree” on the Quad in front of Eckhart.