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In the 1950s, Aspen was involved in uranium exploration as the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission sought potential sources for uranium. Core drilling was conducted in the Smuggler Mine, revealing insufficient ore for development.

Concurrently, the Strategic Air Command began constructing an underground facility in Hadley, Massachusetts, in 1957 to serve as a command center during an atomic attack. A more robust facility was later built at Cheyenne Mountain, Colorado Springs, starting in 1961, to house NORAD, designed to withstand nuclear strikes with 2,000 feet of granite overhead.

Additionally, the Denver Mint, established in 1863, sought ways to protect its gold and silver bullion from potential nuclear threats. John Herron, who held the lease on the Smuggler, showed officials the mine's capabilities, but logistical challenges posed significant obstacles for transporting bullion from Denver to Aspen during an emergency.