B Reactor National Historic Landmark - 15 million years ago the earth issued forth basalt flows covering the region. Over time this reached a depth of 5000 – 10,000 feet creating a stable platform as the continent shifted over the hot spot under the crust. With the Columbia River creating a source for abundant water and power – the US government selected the site as the first-weapons grade nuclear production site. The reactor was a scaled version of a smaller prototype built in Chicago and used mostly manual controls. Quite simple in design it operated to create plutonium which was carried by train to a refining facility located on other sections of the Hanford Reach. Ironically, today this area is considered an environmental sanctuary and as of July 13th 2017 is now protected permanently.