13 Off Limit Areas In Jefferson Proving Ground That The General Public Will Never See

[@rrelectric5159]

Thanks for sharing these scenes. I knew some about the proving grounds. My father's cousin worked there for many years. I had never heard of all the old bridges before. Good to see that part of the country again, my grandfather was from Madison, my grandmother from Seymour.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Glad you liked the video!

[@JDawghasaTruck]

I grew up across the river in Milton Ky and can remember the window shaking booms! Amazing what that generation went through to win WWII.

[@GregoryWingham]

Very interesting video with good commentary. I have driven by here basically all of my life since my grandmother lived in Madison and we visited when I was a child. As an adult, I go to Clifty Falls to camp. The next time I drive by, the Proving Grounds will be even more interesting to me. Peace

[@michaelturner2971]

My Grandfather's family was on the cover of Echoes of Jefferson proving ground book!! I grew up across 421 on Ringwald RD Thanks for the Video! It's a Beautiful area!

[@jessegates564]

Thanks for this video, very good. My step father got stationed there at Jefferson Proving Grounds after. a tour in Vietnam in 1969 This was paradise for him. I loved the place and went to Madison HS

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Glad you liked the video!

[@dougwells1477]

History in Your Own Backyard How much unexplored ordinance is left on the range? Have they ever cleared the area? Thx

[@daverotroff6873]

In the late '70's I was boating on Brookville Lake which is about 40 miles NE of Jefferson PG. We were relaxing and floating while drinking a beer. From the north came 2 A-10's at warp speed travelling southbound along the west shore of the lake. They were low enough that they pulled up to clear the Fairfield Causeway that crosses mid-lake then dropped back down heading towards the dam. Impressive to say the least. We figured they were training at jefferson.

[@kristiwilkerson8947]

Used to drive to Old Timbers and hang out with friends in the 70s. What a beautiful and majestic lodge. Good to see they have not destroyed it! Good video, thank for posting

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Glad you liked it!

[@johngilliam5974]

Yeah I did that same thing dad's family got together their and it was awesome times. My dad retired from their.

[@meandthemrs7403]

This is the third channel that I watch that uses that banjo. I never get tired of it.

[@alanfan8941]

It is amazing to see any substantial structure that is not covered in graffiti. The video is worth watching just to see that.

[@luciusvorenus9445]

Grew up south of the Papermill Gate. I remember the aircraft flying over the house, the artillery firings and night-time flare tests. Great footage of the Stone bridges.

[@jeffcarico5113]

Thanks for posting. I worked at the weather station from 1990 until the base closed in 1995. You actually drove by the weather station at the beginning of the video although the building is kind of plain now with the dome that housed the upper air equipment gone from atop of it.

[@dhinds5927]

My 2nd Great Grandfather had a farm near Marble Corner, which was a village inside JPG. He and his wife's graves were moved when the area was purchased by the government.

[@toddtomaszewski6820]

I lived a couple miles east of there back in the 70s. At the top of China Hill. I remember listening to the artillery rounds all the time.

[@pennypincher5516]

I used to deliver there. At the gate/guard house, they had a little doe that they would give crackers too! My first time delivering was near the howitzers firing line. It scared the hell out of me the first time I heard them firing! During the time the National Air Guard used as a bombing target practice at JPG, those jets flew very low to the ground, maybe 200 foot above it. Scared the hell out of many people driving along highway 62.

[@lawrencehubbard2985]

I used to ride my motorcycle by there once or twice a month. Never knew that you could get in. I would have liked to go back and look around the area.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Actually when I shot this video I had an escort drive me to each spot. I wasn't allowed to go anywhere by myself.

[@lawrencehubbard2985]

@ always wanted to go inside it before it was shut down. I first heard about it when I was on active duty.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

@@lawrencehubbard2985 you can still go inside but you are limited as to where you can go.

[@resqfreedom9308]

I removed asbestos from those brick buildings back in the late 90's! That place is Absolutely AMAZING!

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Yes it is an amazing place.

[@d.aardent9382]

That Old Timbers lodge is very nice, Ive not ever heard of it. It reminds me of Giant City St.Pk. lodge in Illinois. Why hasnt it been opened to the public as a specific sort of Inn for people to visit? Make that area into a small state park to along with Clifty Falls or call it Old Timbers st. pk. and have the old lodge where people can stay but as a less ritzy version and more spartan and simple. I bet a lot of people would enjoy that.

[@nottodd8367]

I've always felt that the headquarters building there would make a wonderful museum or living history site if restored. It's like a step back into the 1940's at the proving grounds

[@Daffmikeron]

Great Video!! I went there a few years back and had a great time. Did have a rough time finding our way back from Reyker Cloud, though. I think the iron truss that you listed as "Unknown" is probably the Kingfisher Crossing bridge. It was not completed when I visited. BridgeHunter states that the bridge is actually a slab using the trusses. Better than scarping them! Keep up the great work and will keep on viewing (Especially the bridge videos!)

[@ruthwoytsek7750]

Nice video, Satolli!! I've always been curious about the other places in JPG. I recall going to Old Timbers as a child and had a book about it.

[@PatsPurposefulPutzing]

Maybe I missed it but I don't think you explained why an escort is required and why the area can't go back to original use: danger of unexploded ordinance, correct?

[@victoriamidkiff1114]

There was an article on 12/2/2014 in the Louisville Courier Journal. Basically it says the army left over 160,000 lbs of depleted uranium projectiles and unexploded ordnance, then asked permission of the DOE to end their Nuclear Regulatory License so they don’t have to keep testing the soil and water.

[@johnball3487]

Thank you. I worked two summers there when I was in High School!

[@michaelgarrity6090]

A very interesting place. It was something that all those stone arch bridges and buildings were constructed here. They are amazing buildings, especially the lodge and school house. Too bad this place is still off limits to the general public.

[@sonyafox2782]

I've passed the Proving Ground many of times. I actually at one point didn't live far from there at one point. I wonder if anyone back there is still living in some of those houses now and, if they ever opened up another restaurant back in there? You used to ride along there and see so many deer. Which was the exciting part. Once they closed Jefferson Proving Ground down the deer slowly went away and, then, once the fence was removed you barely now see any deer when you ride pass there.

[@darinshelley4870]

The fence is 100% intact on the 50,000 plus acres of Big Oaks Refuge. I am one of several people who inspect it weekly. Deer, turkey, eagles, beaver otters and many other wildlife are abundant. It is a privilege to work There and help maintain the roads, right of ways and fencing.

[@herbb8412]

Nice work. Too bad the music volume is way too high. Really detracts from the video.

[@zz377zz]

Would go up there and train while in the Army,talked to one old timer who said after the war they tested German planes,when they were done with them they just dug pits and buried them.So somewhere there are planes worth a fortune,just bulldozed into scrap.

[@darinshelley4870]

Unfortunately the fence will be needed for many many years to come at least for the majority of the 50,000 acres ann be ovrvthe firing line. It’s hard to fathom how much unexploded or otherwise ordinance is laying throughout the area. And then there is the DU Zone. A large area in the southeastern area where all the tank penetrators are. Tho the radioactivity is low. The concentration is high. The isotope is so heavy it won’t leach out but there’s no way I could imagine ever hitting all those out of there. It would be a monumental task and cost prohibitive. Not to mention the Indiana air guard still uses a 1000 acre area north central. For live fire almost Dailey some weeks.

[@supercuda1950]

Is any of that accessable to the public?

[@keithstudly6071]

So the US Army needed this place in the lead up to WW2 and took it from the state and it's residents for that purpose. Now they say there is no need for it so why has it not been returned? What is the current justification for keeping the land of Indiana out of the control of the people of Indiana? Does the Federal Government feel it has the right to control any property it wants for any purpose it can dream up?

[@jamessoutherland5944]

I grew up about a half a mile from the JPG and when they were testing it would shack the walls

[@oldhikinthesticks4524]

I used to work there. You still hear explosives going off once in a while due to an animals or falling limbs. 👍😊

[@quenton3145]

This is extremely interesting. 🤔

[@southernindianaadventuresw5092]

I bet someone would find some interesting things magnet fishing in the right spots

[@elizabethbaker2125]

Thank you! I’ve never been in the proving grounds.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

You're welcome! It's a beautiful place.

[@truckdaddy1957]

There are some good documentaries about the families that lived there.

[@jenneferburk4361]

Do you happen to know where they are held? I have Edwards ancestors that lived on or nearby the area prior to it becoming a military installation. Would love to learn more about them.

[@DGKED-td7mf]

Is there an old cemetery somewhere there?

[@kskssxoxskskss2189]

Tragic to see the old stone house shot up. But needs must.

[@patriciaberry4630]

My Dad and my twin sisters worked there.

[@paulfischeruncleyips]

So how much of the land is unsafe for anyone to enter? Does the military control all the land, part of the land or none of the land? I've driven past here but know little about anything inside.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Those are all great questions and I don't know the answers.

[@williamsblocks5777]

My wife's Grandparents raised their children there till the Proving purchased their property.

[@ruthwoytsek7750]

Hey, is there a guide on what parts ARE open to the public? I'm curious.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

If you make an appointment and let them know where you would like to go, they will have someone escort you throughout the entire facility.

[@jamessoutherland5944]

The southern half is now privately owned and open

[@777cayman]

🔴 Is the hunting lodge open to the public? How is it used today?

[@bobbayne9252]

The Jefferson Proving Ground is indeed historic. If you sleep all through the day you get promoted to GS -12. A real claim to fame.

[@jerryvan5056]

So how is sitoley?

[@heathergarvey8811]

My grandma told me about this they were barely offered money enough to be to buy new homes one lady threw hot water on them my great-grandfather welcome them in ate dinner with the guy and he got more money than anybody else I would love to be able to go back and see where my grandmother went to school at where my family lived at my family's property was there from the early 1800s until the 40s when the government bought them out and forced them to move

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

My great Aunt was forced out so I know what you're talking about.

[@raylewis2304]

Anyone else see on google maps the pentagram in there thats very very weird!!

[@jefflebowski4182]

Yes I did !! WTF!? And what is big secret going on there ??

[@bh8459]

I've wondered this for years... they say for target practice.... but why the hyroglifics... there is something very odd about this... very odd

[@resqfreedom9308]

I think there was something here that would have proved that the whole "United States Experiment" was a hoax and they went in to destroy that narrative. With the illusion of ammunition testing to cover up the cover up! Everything we have been taught is a lie,.. EVERYTHING!

[@resqfreedom9308]

I mean how many farmhouses built in the early 1800's had 3 feet thick masonry walls!? 🤔🧐

[@evertroop1173]

TVA done the same down here.

[@Dr.DeKay86]

can anyone go to the proving grounds and film?

[@HighSpeedNoDrag]

"Follow Me" Iron Mike!

[@rudygeorgiamulesandcountry1594]

I've hunted private land just outside the fence.

[@aaronschulte3207]

❤

[@ronaldschoolcraft8654]

This is absolutely disgusting what the government did here. Committing tyranny to stop tyranny doesn't make any sense. Using a once private home for target practice after giving the owners 30 days to vacate is tyrannical disrespect of the highest order. I know, there was a war going on. Refer to my second sentence.

[@shyman9023]

Stopping a lunatic that killed six million jews and countless others and the Japanese had to be done.

[@ronaldschoolcraft8654]

@@shyman9023 yes, but not at the expense of Constitutional rights of American citizens. "To save freedom we're going to take away freedom". Sounds like a Democrat plan... Oh, wait! It was.

[@shyman9023]

@@ronaldschoolcraft8654 They were compensated. There was a need to have another proving grounds. In Germany they would just take jews land and businesses at the start with no payment. Also, many folks made sacrifices during the war, including my dad's dad that made the ultimate sacrifice. Heck, I almost bought the farm during Desert storm.

[@ronaldschoolcraft8654]

@@shyman9023 thank you.

[@RosieNP73]

I lived near this area for about 11 years and was always intrigued by the Jefferson proving grounds. There seems to be an air of mystery and a lot of folklore associated with this place. I was able to see pictures of a Saint Magdalene church that had to be vacated by the parishioners due to the acquisition. It was ornate and beautiful. The pictures I was shown belonged to older friends whose families were displaced by this acquisition and continue to hold a lot of hurt feelings associated with losing generations of family land along with other associated losses. Historically, many counties in this part of Indiana were the poorest in the state and disruption of this level was devastating. My understanding from these people is that it just wasn’t building and structures that were lost but smaller communities. Thank you for doing this video. It does a good job at satisfying a lot of my curiosity of this vast area.

[@ronaldschoolcraft8654]

Borrowed the "Mark Felton Productions" theme there...

[@HighSpeedNoDrag]

One aspect that bothers me regarding Mr. Felton is that he believes and or portrays that Hitler died in his bunker via Berlin.

[@ronaldschoolcraft8654]

@@HighSpeedNoDrag that's because he did.

[@HighSpeedNoDrag]

@@ronaldschoolcraft8654 Ask anyone over the age of 50 in Argentina and They know where Hitler lived and died in their country. Learn.

[@ronaldschoolcraft8654]

@@HighSpeedNoDrag several Nazis did escape to Argentina. That's a fact. Hitler was not one of them. I have learned.

[@HighSpeedNoDrag]

@@ronaldschoolcraft8654 I respect your comment and do not care to spar all night. The Soviets Know Hitler was not amongst the rubble upon their entry and controll.

[@MrJpmelton]

Went to several dances there for private parties

[@heroesofruin27]

I love by the proving grounds and there is alot of UFO activity around it almost ever night seems like

[@jefflebowski4182]

Would like to hear more about this!?

[@naturalwings3597]

I love the video but wow what a waste of money and just letting things rot and left when so many Americans could have a place to live and call there own it just goes to show how you are either chosen to fit in and enjoy something like this and it simply does not matter if you deserve it or not.

[@cal4625]

Thank GOD for a mute button.

[@johnswigler6512]

🇺🇸🇺🇸🧢

[@3ForestAnimals]

[@3ForestAnimals]