Western society has been built upon the back of industry. Railroads, construction, fuel digging, and manufacturing endeavors have gotten us to where we are today: the dominant place in the global market. This is as true of newer settlements like Henderson, Nevada as it is of older ones like London, England. Each city or town has or has had some industry, whether it be manure handling or rocket manufacturing. Here's a look at Henderson's industrial landscapes from the past and where they might be heading in the future.

World War II

Henderson was born in 1940, just after the onset of the Second World War in Europe. Although it would be another year before the United States would enter the war, the Magnesium produced in Henderson was used by the Allies in everything from munitions to making municipal vehicles. The Basic Magnesium Plant employed over 14,000 people in the production of this "miracle metal," which became obsolete in 1947.

Post War

After the loss of the magnesium plant Henderson was in danger of ceasing to exist as a town. However, with diligent work from town officials it was resurrected and again became a home for industry, most notably the Pacific Engineering Production Company of Nevada, or PEPCON, and Kerr-McGee, the country's two producers of solid rocket fuel. Rocket fuel is an extremely volatile substance, and PEPCON exploded in 1988, killing two people, injuring 372, destroying both rocket fuel factories and the marshmallow factory nearby, and creating a blast that could practically be heard at Cane Line Furniture in Toronto.

Present

The rocket fuel explosion, though serious, didn't ruin Henderson's connection with industry. The marshmallow factory was rebuilt and other, less volatile, producers moved in. Your modern bathroom vanity might contain parts that originated in Henderson, as factories in the city turn out such things as metal parts, industrial chemicals, baked goods, and clothes. The Ocean Spray juice company has its headquarters in the city, as does Good Humor-Bryers, a popular maker of ice cream products.

Future

Time and tourism may spell the end for heavy industry in Henderson, even when rocket fuel explosions could not. The biggest growth sectors in Henderson now are those related to tourism and technology, so the businesses you see moving into Henderson are more likely to be a post card printing company or a cell phone manufacturer than a company wanting to build a factory to produce chemicals or cars.