Uncovering America's first rocket launch site at Cape Canaveral

Source - UCF

An archaeological team made up of University of Central Florida students has unearthed the long-lost Bumper 8 blockhouse at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

Source - UCF

America's first rocket was launched from this blockhouse site at the Cape on July 24, 1950.

Source - UCF

The 20-by-20-foot foundation of the crude structure was found at historic Launch Complex 3 after clearing away thick vegetation.

Source - UCF

The blockhouse was a shack made from heavy-duty paper known as tarpaper that served as a makeshift headquarters for the launch crew.

Source - UCF

20 UCF students have systematically surveyed and mapped a 700- to 900-square-meter grid to unearth the Bumper blockhouse site.

Source - UCF

The team has been digging periodic "shovel test pits" to study what lies below the surface.

Source - UCF

The discovery is a significant contribution to the history of space exploration in America.

Source - UCF

The site had been consumed by the jungle but has now been uncovered, which is very Hollywood-esque.

Source - UCF