---
title: "The Atomic Cannon was a thing during the Cold War"
description: "On May 25, 1953, the U.S. military tested a 280mm atomic cannon shell over Nevada it codenamed Grable. Read more on WATM."
date: "2022-05-13"
modified: "2023-05-15"
authors:
  - name: "Orvelin Valle"
    link: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/authors/orvelinvalle/"
url: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/history/atomic-cannon-history/"
categories:
  - "Cold War"
  - "History"
  - "Tactical"
  - "War History"
  - "Weapons"
---

# The Atomic Cannon was a thing during the Cold War

![atomic cannon test](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Nuclear_artillery_test_Grable_Event_-_Part_of_Operation_Upshot-Knothole.jpg>)
*The mushroom cloud from Upshot–Knothole Grable, with the cannon it was fired from in the foreground.*

On May 25, 1953, the U.S. military tested a 280mm atomic artillery shell over Nevada it [codenamed Grable](<https://www.businessinsider.com/us-army-atomic-annie-nuclear-artillery-shell-test-2021-5?op=1>). The round was fired from the Atomic Cannon—one of the largest ever produced by the U.S.—to a target seven-miles away.

The U.S. made 20 of these cannons [during the Cold War](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-culture/america-cold-war-sites-visit/>) in case it came to blows with the Soviets. The round detonated in the air and completely obliterated the cars, buildings, and bridges below. Learn more about this crazy cannon during this nerve wracking video by WATM.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTdy1Yp1h5A

MrNightSky

![A large, long-barreled artillery cannon is positioned outdoors on a concrete surface, pointing directly toward the camera. The cannon is mounted on a heavy base with mechanical components visible. In the background, another similar artillery piece is visible, along with trees and a green fence under a clear blue sky.](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/4005565-scaled.jpg>)
*The M65 series artillery piece, nicknamed Atomic Annie, is a 280mm cannon capable of firing a nuclear round. The piece was delivered to Fort Lee Nov. 29 after restoration work in Atlanta. It will be used as one of the centerpieces of the 120,000-square-foot Ordnance Training Support Facility under construction. It was formerly displayed at the Ordnance Museum in Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md.*

![Large artillery cannon barrel pointed directly at the camera, mounted on a military vehicle, with trees and a clear blue sky in the background.](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/4008114-scaled.jpg>)
*The M65 series artillery piece, nicknamed Atomic Annie, is a 280mm cannon capable of firing a nuclear round. Twenty copies were made between 1953-63. Several survive and are on display at museums and other venues across the country.*

![atomic cannon](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/7777911.jpg>)
*Atomic Cannon firing over the East China Sea in 1956, (U.S. Army Photo)*

![Two men stand in front of a large, weathered, gray artillery gun with rust patches, mounted on a concrete platform outdoors. The older man on the left wears a black jacket, beige pants, and a black cap, while the younger man on the right wears a green sweater and dark pants. Trees and grass are visible in the background under a clear blue sky.](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/7777936.jpg>)
*Bill Wieberg and Ken Wieberg, son, gather in front of the gun they travelled from St. Louis to see, Atomic Annie, at Rock Island Arsenal’s Memorial Field, April 18. (Photo by Joe Ammann)*

![Three men are standing around a table covered with old photographs, documents, and books. One man in a green sweater is pointing at the items on the table, while an older man wearing a plaid shirt and a black cap looks on. The third man, wearing glasses and a dark hoodie, stands on the opposite side of the table observing the materials. The setting appears to be an archival or storage room with filing cabinets and shelves in the background.](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/7777938.jpg>)
*ASC Assistant Historian Mark Struve talks details of the Atomic Cannon with photos, drawings, and manuals during Bill Wieberg and son, Ken Wieberg’s visit, April 18. (Photo by Joe Ammann)*

## Author
OV is a Navy veteran and an expert in social media and entertainment marketing. Previously, with music electronics company Roland, he created social media outreach and growth strategies that became Roland's worldwide corporate standard. OV also managed social media and promotions for Madison Square Garden and Clear Channel Radio.