Indiana Army Ammunition Plant, History Brochure, circa 1973

This turned up recently, and its pretty unique.  As best as we can tell, its some sort of  INAAP history booklet, perhaps handed out during tours or at some conference or another.  It looks like it was written by someone at the plant, as it contains a great deal of information about INAAP; its history, its capacity, workforce, etc etc.  While it is missing a few pages (2, 20-22), it is still a remarkable little document.  Of note is the reference on page "8" to the fact that 1,000 German prisoners of war worked at the plant at one point.  Hopefully someone finds this stuff interesting.  Rather than hosting it as a pdf, it is set up as pictures that are viewable one at a time.

Nick's Powder Keg Museum of Treasures, Utica, Indiana

Located in Utica, Indiana, we found this neat private collection on a recent trip through the area.  Join us as we look at the interesting artifacts and architecture on display at this hidden local treasure.  We must point out that this is a private collection, and that it is not always open.  Check their Facebook page for various public events, and do not trespass to see anything on your own. 

Abandoned Fourteen Mile Creek Bridges and INAAP - Charlestown, Indiana

The grounds of the abandoned Indiana Army Ammunition Plant are littered with all sorts of structures and debris.  Today, we explore some bridges on the north eastern side of the land, now overgrown but still quite interesting.

16" Naval Gunpowder Bags, as made at INAAP, Charlestown, Indiana

Perhaps the most famous product of INAAP, the 16" naval gunpowder bag is a sight to behold.  A whole bunch of these were recently disassembled for scrap, but I was lucky to get photos of one that had neatly disassembled and restored as a collectible.  Check out the photos inside....

Abandoned Barnett Cemetery at INAAP, Charlestown, Indiana

Located just off US 62 in Charlestown, Indiana, the abandoned Barnett Cemetery is on the grounds of the old Indiana Army Ammunition Plant.  The stones are all quite old and detailed, but the most notable feature of the cemetery is its stone wall.  Join us today as we examine it in more detail.

Abandoned Time Clock Building, Indiana Army Ammunition Plant, Charlestown, Indiana

Located on the grounds of the old abandoned Indiana Army Ammunition Plant (INAAP), this is the time clock building for the whole plant.  While much of the production side has been condemned, this building has been largely left alone.  The following photos have been taken over the span of a few years, and show that neglect is taking its toll regardless.

Powder Plant Igloo Explosion on April 27, 1966 at INAAP, Charlestown, Indiana

Igloo 5186 Q, sibling of the now missing Igloo 5185 Q.

 At about 9:00 on April 27, 1966, the earth near Charlestown Indiana erupted in a volcano like explosion.  In one instant, 175,000 pounds of gunpowder exploded, ending three lives and shattering windows three miles away.  This is the story of what happened that morning, and what is left today.

Abandoned bag loading building, Indiana Army Ammunition Plant, Charlestown, Indiana

 

Located in Charlestown, Indiana, on the grounds of the old Indiana Army Ammunition Plant (INAAP), these strange ghostly shells are all that remain of the buildings where gunpowder was loaded into fabric bags. 

Abandoned flashing rack outpost at the Indiana Army Ammunition Plant - Charlestown, Indiana

This flashing rack station was a part of the old Indiana Army Ammunition Plant, and is located in what is currently Charlestown State Park in Charlestown, Indiana.  The purpose of the flashing rack was to check that used plant materials no longer had any traces of propellant.  Only a small building that appears to have been an office at one time now remains in the area.  At the time these photos were taken the office was more or less how it was left when abandoned.