Jefferson Proving Ground (JPG), a 55,265 acre
facility was established December 1940, fired its first round 5 months later, and operated until 1995. JPG's primary mission
was to perform production and post-production tests of conventional ammunition components and other ordnance items and conduct
tests of propellant ammunition/weapons systems and components for the U.S. Army. In essence, JPG served as the last quality control step in ensuring that our troops
were issued effective and safe munitions.
- 1941 - May 10, the first round fired.
- 1944 - 100,000th round fired.
- 1953 - Peak staffing (1,774 employees) and 24 hour continuous testing during the Korean Conflict.
- 1960's - Renewed testing activity during the Vietnam War.
- 1989 - Congress identified JPG for closure (421 employees).
- 1991 - The last major testing effort during the Persian Gulf War.
- 1993 - Jefferson Proving Ground Redevelopment Board (JPG RDB) formed.
- 1994 - Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) formed. Munitions testing ceased.
- 1995 - Local Redevelopment Authority (LRA) formed. JPG closed.
- 1996 - Property disposal process began: environmental site assessments and cleanup, UXO removal actions, and property
lease/transfer.
- 1997 - Memorandum of Agreement established between The Army Test and Evaluation Command (TECOM) and the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service for "ecosystem-based" management of 51,000 acres in the northern part of the base.
- 1998 - Memoranda of Understanding established between the U.S. Department of Army and the Indiana Air National Guard.
In exchange for continued use of the Jefferson Range air-to-ground training area, the Air National Guard will provide assistance
to the Army in the operations and maintenance of the 51,000-acre impact area.
- 2000 - Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge created as an overlay
refuge.
Jefferson Proving Ground is located
in southeastern Indiana, approximately 8 miles north of the Indiana-Kentucky border and about 5 miles north of Madison, Indiana.
The installation occupies parts of Jefferson, Jennings and Ripley Counties, and is about 17.2 miles in length and ranges from
4 to 6 miles in width. Lands surrounding JPG are predominantly farmland and woodlands, with some small towns and rural residential
land use nearby.
The facility is divided into a Northern Firing Range Area and a Southern Cantonment Area, separated by a firing line consisting
of 268 former gun positions used for testing ordnance until September 1994. This line runs east-west across the width of the
facility and is separated from the Cantonment Area by an east-west firing line fence.
JPG contains 379 buildings, 182
miles of roads, and 48 miles of boundary fence line.
The Southern Area houses support facilities that were used for administration, ammunition assembly and testing, vehicle
maintenance, and residential housing. Up to September 1994, this area also was used for ammunition assembly and testing and
weapons maintenance. Most of these buildings are situated along a 1-mile strip just south of the Firing Line Road on Woodfill
Road. An abandoned airport with four runways and a hanger building are located in the southwest corner of the facility.
The Northern Area consists of 51,000 acres of undeveloped and
heavily wooded land. Numerous discrete areas were cleared and targeted during certain munitions tests.
There is a fascinating story associated with the history of
JPG, one that few people fully comprehend.
It is the story of vanished communities and great personal sacrifice as 2,500 Hoosiers were forced to pack up and vacate
their homes and farms.
It is the story of basic Midwest dedication and ingenuity as farmers and other civilians were trained to fire and maintain
massive guns.
It is the story of
irony—A 55,000 acre time capsule containing great natural and cultural treasures, yet filled with unique danger.
The JPG Heritage Partnership was established to make sure the full story is told and that present
and future generations are reminded of the sacrifice and contributions rendered by ordinary people in defense of our
nation.
The partnership is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, tax-exempt organization. Currently it is a committee
under the sponsorship of Historic Hoosier Hills Resource Conservation and Development, Inc.
Our purpose is to gather and preserve oral histories, photographs, documents, and artifacts. We then share this information
with the public through our web site. Our ultimate vision is to develop a virtual museum on the internet and to assist the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in making sure future visitor center exhibits adequately cover the story of JPG.
Meetings are held monthly with locations rotating among Madison, Versailles, and North Vernon, Indiana.
If you worked at JPG or have a family history associated with the proving ground, we encourage you to contact us at
(812) 273-2522.
Send letters, photographs or memorabilia to
