Building 2 of the US Army Yuma Proving Ground is the former Post Headquarters dating back to 1947. Currently it is the Location of the US Army Yuma Proving Ground Heritage Center.
The Capture the image case tracks just a few of the cameras used throughout our history. The Graflex 4" x 5" format camera, along with the Bell & Howell 8mm (wind up) movie camera were types issued because that's what the Army had in their inventory. Originally issued to members of the Public Affairs branch, these Cameras were used in the Test environment, even though what was really needed were purpose built ballistic cameras. Such cameras were procured and the film based cameras came in a variety of sizes, capabilities and film size.
When the Eastman Kodak Company decided to get out of the film business, the test community had to continue their transition to digital cameras, an example of which is at the end of the case along with a CRT based monitor.
M65 "Atomic Canon" - One of only a few of the Army's Atomic Canons on display. Frequently tested during the 50's on YPG's Main Firing Front.
For over 70 years, this portion of Arizona's Sonoran Desert has hosted a variety of military activities to train and equip America's combat forces to ensure they are the best in the world. This has resulted in U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground developing into one of the best multi-purpose test range facilities in the Department of Defense. The Heritage Center is proud to present a visual interpretation of the people, places, events, and objects that have comprised this intriguing history. Although representations in the galleries are of objects from our material culture, remember that the real story is about people…people who trained and worked here to research, develop, test, and evaluate the tools our nation's military personnel used to protect our freedom. Keeping these same ideals foremost in mind, YPG people will always test for the best!
You may begin or end your ride through YPG's history at U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground's Heritage Center. Located in the former post headquarters building on YPG's Main Administrative Area, numerous exhibit galleries guide you through over 70 years of history. Born of the World War II necessity to train and equip America's rapidly expanding Army, Yuma Proving Ground has evolved to become a vital test center. See this fascinating history through exhibits, multi-media and theater presentations. Guided tours are available upon request.
The Heritage Center is closed indefinitely.
Visiting the Museum
Admission
Free
Hours
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
1000
1600
Wednesday
1000
1600
Thursday
1000
1600
Friday
1000
1600
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed
Closed on Federal Holidays
301 C Street
Yuma, Arizona 85365
Gallery
The main corridor serves as a perfect venue to display photographs from our historical periods in an Art Center like setting. The small Theater shows a variety of short programs dealing with our history. From the Desert Training Center to modern testing, visitors can sit and relax as they learn about the important roles YPG has served to ensure the material readiness of our Armed Forces.
One of our thirteen (13) exhibit galleries, the "Tests of the 50's and 60's" includes images of the wide variety of test activities conducted here. Ground Combat systems, airborne and air delivery systems, artillery testing, drones, and the H.A.R.P. gun program are some of the key tests conducted during this period.
The High Altitude Research Project (H.A.R.P.) gun was a joint US and Canadian project using a special gun made of two (2) 16" gun tubes from a US Navy Battleship, joined to create a barrel more than 120 ft. long. Firing a special Sabot shrouded projectile (Famed Canadian Scientist Dr. Gerald Bull called it a "Vehicle) the Yuma Gun was used to detect and map wind shear in the Ionosphere. This gun has the world altitude record, firing a projectile to a height of 110 miles.
War Dogs at YPG highlights the variety of training venues available at our Canine Village. Part of the Department of Defense Military Working Dogs program, our facilities offer training for Dog Handlers and their Dogs under the most realistic of conditions.
The Range Data Transmission system is a commercial off-the- shelf system that digitally links all of our test ranges with the Range Operation Center and other nodes along a secure fiber optics network.
Tropic regions testing began with members of the 158th Infantry Regiment of the Arizona National Guard conducting a comparison test between the M1916 Bolo knife that was issued to them and the Collins Machete. The Jungle Experimental Platoon was made up largely of men from Yuma, and their efforts resulted in the acceptance of their test results and the M1942 became the new standard. It is still the standard issue Machete for the US Army today.
Boonie Hat and P-38 Can Opener. Two of the most iconic items associated with the Vietnam War as displayed in our 50th Commemoration of the Vietnam War gallery. As an Official DoD Commemorative Partner this gallery and the associated hallway are much appreciated by our public and especially the Vietnam Vets who feel welcomed and appreciated here. Using reproductions of Army Art, the public is drawn to the subject in a way that is quite different than the usual depiction of the war. Many families relate that in this gallery and out at the Country & Unit Map of Vietnam, the Veteran opens up to the family for the first time.
One of the more popular exhibits is (surprisingly) the Staff Duty Office. This office is essentially in the same configuration with the same furnishings that it had from the 1950's through the 1980's when it was no longer used. Because the soldiers were mostly from the Science and Engineering program, they were expected to be on the test site the following day, therefore they were authorized to sleep while pulling Staff Duty.
The Big Guns
Iconic objects in their own right, YPG's "Big Guns" serve as the key gateway to YPG's Heritage Trail. The M65 Atomic Cannon, one of five such pieces on exhibit worldwide, is a favorite photo opportunity for those travelling along Highway 95. For many, this is their first stop as they continue down Imperial Dam Road to the Visitor Control Center prior to their visit to the Heritage Center. For those of you visiting on Fridays, go to Howard Gate to process for your day pass.
Honest John and Little John Rockets. The XM-31 Honest John was a truck mounted, 760mm Rocket. This was the first surface to surface rocket that was capable of carrying a nuclear warhead. Testing began in 1951 and the item entered service in 1953.The XM-51 "Little John" was a trailer mounted, 320mm Rocket capable of delivering conventional or nuclear warheads. This interim system was only used for training or testing of the system.
Both of these systems, along with an extra rocket painted for testing purposes, are located in Brooks' park and interpretive center.
The Army's artillery of WWII entered the modern era with the 105mm Self-propelled artillery piece known as the M7 Priest. This vehicle, located within Brooks' Park, was used in the 1950's for acceptance proof testing of the 105mm munitions manufactured West of the Mississippi River.
The M-103 was classified as a Heavy Tank and saw limited service up to 1974. Using a 120mm gun based on a WWII era Anti - aircraft gun, it was too big and too heavy for the associated power plant. Mobility testing along with acceptance proof testing of the 120mm gun were part of this vehicles service life here at the Proving Ground. Later on, it would be used to test the load carrying capability of trailers under realistic test conditions on our various Mobility Test Courses.
The M60 Main Battle Tank was the last of the Patton Tank series. This early model was used in developmental testing at YPG. Following the acceptance of this model, this tank was used in the Acceptance Proof Testing of the 105mm munitions.
Wahner Brooks
The Wahner Brooks Exhibit is a popular outdoor interpretive center. Ample parking, RV access, and groomed walkways wind through exhibits of combat vehicles, rockets, and artillery systems tested at YPG. Located off of the Imperial Dam Road, it is colocated with the YPG Visitor Control Center (VCC). To enter YPG's Howard Cantonment Area, where the Heritage Center is located, visitors need to acquire a day pass at the VCC. They will need to show their drivers license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance to obtain a day pass.
Contact Us
Yuma Proving Ground Public Affairs Office: (928) 328-6189
Building 2 of the US Army Yuma Proving Ground is the former Post Headquarters dating back to 1947. Currently it is the Location of the US Army Yuma Proving Ground Heritage Center.
