If you have ever driven through Junction City, there is a good chance that you have seen this contraption either up close or at a distance:

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So, what exactly is this massive machinery? That would be none other than a 1950s M65 atomic cannon (also known as Atomic Annie.) This 42 foot-long, 42,000 pound cannon was designed to launch nuclear shells far away from those using it and has been known to throw a shell up to a whopping 20 miles. There are thought to be only eight of these Cold War marvels remaining in the United States and fortunately Fort Riley is home to the largest of them all.

To see Annie in action, check out this vintage footage:

*Please Note: Both Freedom Park and Atomic Annie have been temporarily closed due to security concerns.*

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