Oppenheimer: Unearthing the Story of Land Loss to the Lab

The movie “Oppenheimer” sheds light on the complex history of the Los Alamos Lab in New Mexico. The film depicts the eviction of Hispano families from the Pajarito Plateau in 1942, as the US Army took over the land to build the world’s first atomic bombs.

Bulldozing of homes, shooting of livestock, and minimal compensation were reported during the forced removal. The lab, which now employs over 14,000 workers and is the region’s largest employer, has a conflicted reputation in the local community.

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For some, it provided economic opportunities, while for others, it represents death and dispossession. The lab was built on lands sacred to the local Tewa people and granted to Hispano settlers under Spanish colonial rule.

Efforts have been made to seek compensation for the affected families, but the legacy of the lab’s establishment remains a contentious issue in the region.