After World War II, uranium became one of the most sought-after elements in the world — and in the sparse canyons of the four-corners region, uranium company towns began to mine the ore for the U.S. Government. The 1950s were the golden years, when rich “uraniumaires” bought private jets and anybody could go from country rags to riches. But before long, the uranium rush would come crashing down.

Find transcripts, references, and photos for the series at ⁠www.aleccowan.com/boomtown⁠

In this episode:

Howard and Caren Stephens, former Union Carbide employees and residents of Uravan

Bill Barnes Sr., former Union Carbide mill worker and resident of Uravan

Eva Fernandez, former Uravan resident

Bob Ince, a one-time uranium miner whose family operated mines in Gateway, CO

Michael Amundson, professor of history at Northern Arizona University