The Naval Proving Ground
Before its role as a nuclear-power station, the land that became the NRTS was a naval proving ground associated with an ordinance facility in Pocatello. Built strategically away from the coastline to avoid potential Japanese sea raids during World War II, Pocatello was also a continental transportation hub. With a huge Union Pacific railroad terminal and being along a nationwide highway route, gun linings worn out on battleships were brought in from the coast, replaced, and then tested out on the proving ground. After the war, the U.S. Navy reluctantly gave up the site to make way for the construction of EBR-I.