A brief history of VAAP

Construction

On August 1, 1941, the Army Ordnance Department entered a contract with Stone and Webster Engineering Corporation of New York City for the design and construction of VAAP, originally known as Volunteer Ordinance Works (VOW). Prior to construction, the Ordnance Department designated Hercules Powder Company of Wilmington, Delaware, as operating contractor. At VAAP, Hercules provided architectural and engineering services, including construction inspection, for the manufacturing structures and equipment. The land area was originally approximately 8,600 acres. As can be seen in the table, the area of VAAP has decreased over the years as properties to the east of the explosives storage igloos and south of Bonny Oaks Road have been sold or otherwise conveyed to other parties.

Work at the site began on October 6, 1941, and by July 1942, TNT Lines 1 and 2 were running at capacity. Original plans called for twelve TNT lines, two sets of acid production and concentration facilities, and associated storage and support facilities. In May 1942, the plans were revised to include four additional TNT lines, a third acid facility, and additional storage and support facilities.

When completed in June 1943, VAAP consisted of 433 buildings. Most buildings, other than storage magazines, were located in the industrial valley. Many buildings have been demolished and built over time. An exact chronology is not available.