Redstone Arsenal  In-depth Overview

Redstone Arsenal is a U.S. Army installation located close to Huntsville, Alabama in a wetland area serviced by the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. Redstone is listed as a census-designated place in Madison County, Alabama and is also named as a part of the Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area. Redstone Arsenal serves as the host for a variety of tenant commands, the FBI and the Marshall Space Flight Center operated by NASA. Originally, Redstone Arsenal was created to build chemical weapons; since those days the installation is known for rocket and space projects.

The original arsenal combined two adjoining arsenals into one post in 1941 to make conventional ammunition and toxic chemicals during World War II. Redstone was first designated the home of Army missiles in 1948. It dropped from a peak WW II employment of more than 19,000 to a little-used post of a few hundred workers. Because of the large available space, empty buildings, and ease of access to rail, highway, and water traffic, the Army chose Redstone as the place to consolidate its newly formed rocket program. Redstone Arsenal has served for 50 + years as the Army's center for missile and rocket programs. Numerous federal organizations have named Redstone Arsenal as "home".

Huntsville is located in the counties of Madison and Limestone and serves as the Madison County seat with a population over 400,000. Huntsville is one of the most up and coming recognized cities in the Southeast and is consistently named as one of the best places to live and work by a variety of national publications. Technology, space, and defense industries have a major presence here as well as several Fortune 500 companies.

Redstone Arsenal has approximately 800 Active Duty Soldiers and 45,000 plus civilian and contract employees.

Redstone Arsenal's 38,000 + acres are bordered by Huntsville, Alabama, on the north and east with the Tennessee River forming Redstone's southern boundary. The arsenal is ten miles from north to south and three miles from west to east.  Access to recreation opportunities and services is easy and convenient. Local attractions will keep your family busy while you can also enjoy the ease of traveling to other metropolitan areas such as Birmingham, Alabama (100 miles), Atlanta, Georgia (246 miles), Chattanooga, Tennessee (103 miles), Nashville, Tennessee (125 miles), Memphis, Tennessee (216 miles) and/or Destin, Florida (358 miles). 

Airport

The Huntsville International Airport is located five miles from Redstone Arsenal at 1000 Glenn Heard Road. Several major airlines arrive and depart daily. Public transportation includes taxies, shuttle services, rental cars, and Uber. To reach Redstone Arsenal from the airport, go straight on Glenn Heard Road to the intersection of I-565. Turn right towards Huntsville and exit towards Redstone Arsenal/Gate 9..

Have current military or Department of Defense issued identification (military, retired military or Department of Defense employee or contractor) to show the gate security to obtain access to post. Department of Defense vehicle stickers are currently not required to access post. All others, stop by Gate 9 Visitor Centers for more information. 

Gate information and closures can be viewed on the Digital Garrison App downloaded on I Phone or Android phones. 

Redstone Arsenal does not provide taxi, shuttle, or bus services. When requesting an off post taxi or Uber, please ensure they are able to access post.

The Redstone Arsenal automated attendant may be reached at 256-876-2151.  This is an automated system so listen carefully to all options available.

Additional information may be obtained by calling the Gate 9 Visitors Center at 256-876-7738.