The Curious History of a Now Abandoned Ammunition Plant in East Texas

(Karnack, Texas) - East Texas is full of history that we don't know a whole lot about. That's why it's cool when we stumble across that unknown historical fact. For instance, did you know that Karnack was once home to a major ammunition manufacturer for the U.S. Military? And that it played a major role in world disarmament?

The Longhorn Army Ammunition Plant in Karnack is abandoned and is nothing more than a forest with decaying concrete. In its heyday, however, the plant produced TNT and other military equipment during World War II and for years after that.

The Curious History of an Abandoned Ammunition Plant in East Texas

The Longhorn Army Ammunition Plant started in 1941 as a producer of TNT for use in World War II for the U.S. military. It became one of the biggest employers in East Texas because of it. Along with TNT, the plant produced incendiary devices and Pershing rocket motors.

The plant grew and basically became its own city with 451 buildings, a rail network and its own electrical and water treatment plant. The plant continued munitions production during the Korean and Vietnam wars.

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The History of an Abandoned Ammunition Plant in East Texas

In the late 80s, the facility was used as the first site of the destruction of missiles as part of the United States and Soviet Union INS Treaty. Then Vice President George Bush personally witnessed that first event.

In the 90's, it was discovered that the land had become contaminated because of the manufacturing done there. In 1997, the Army declared the plant to be "in excess of its needs" and the process began for the plant to be transferred to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The Longhorn Army Ammunition Plant in Karnack

In 2009, the area became the Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Most of the area, with the exception of certain areas, are open to walk through. The abandoned buildings have become the perfect habitat for the wildlife of the area. Personally, I didn't know this existed. I would love to explore it sometime.

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