Redstone Arsenal

Redstone Arsenal delivers integrated readiness for the Nation by advancing Army aviation, missile defense, space operations and joint federal missions. Building on a legacy of innovation in rocketry and space exploration, the Arsenal provides world‑class support to warfighters, partners and national security agencies. Through modernization, infrastructure expansion and collaborative leadership, Redstone ensures enduring capability, resilience and technological excellence for the future defense of the United States.

Redstone Arsenal began as three separate entities in 1941 and 1942, as part of the War Department's efforts for World War II. Huntsville Arsenal manufactured chemicals, Redstone Ordnance Plant manufactured munitions, and Huntsville Chemical Warfare Depot stored the conventional and chemical-filled munitions. At the end of World War II, Redstone shifted from production to demilitarization and salvaging munitions, and it began deactivating the arsenal's manufacturing facilities. Designated as the home of Army missiles in 1948, it dropped from a peak World War II employment of 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 Arsenal as the place to consolidate its newly formed rocket program. In the 50's, the arsenal became the center of Army missilery and rocketry, and subsequential achievements helped lay the foundation for U.S. space exploration. By the 60's, Redstone became home to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, and continued to focus on ground and air defense missile systems. Rocket-motor testing worked around the clock to achieve manned space flight. The Saturn V rocket that eventually carried the three American astronauts to the moon in 1969 was based on work performed at Redstone Arsenal. In the 1970's and 80's, during the Cold War, Redstone pursued development of advanced weapons systems. By the 1990's, the Marshall Space Flight Center delivered the Hubble Space Telescope. In the 2000's Redstone saw tremendous growth after changes from the largest BRAC, bringing to the Arsenal, Army Materiel Command's four-star headquarters, Space and Missile Defense Command's three-star headquarters, the majority of DoD's Missile Defense Agency and the U.S. Army Security Assistance Command's two-star headquarters. Redstone has now served for 50 plus years as the Army's center for missile and rocket programs. Today, numerous federal organizations call Redstone Arsenal "home" with more than 65 tenant agencies currently housed on the installation.

Huntsville is the most populous city in Alabama and was ranked as the 100th most populous city in the 2020 census. As of July 2025, Huntsville is among the top 20 fastest growing cities in the United States. Huntsville is the county seat of Madison County with portions extending into Limestone County, Marshall County and Morgan County. 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. Huntsville is widely recognized as a hub for technology, space and defense industries, accompanied by several Fortune 500 companies.

Redstone Arsenal's workforce breakdown includes nearly 900 active duty soldiers and reserve military, roughly 27,300 civilians and just over 17,000 contractors totaling approximately 45,500 people. The annual economic impact on Alabama is $36.2 billion dollars.

Redstone Arsenal is located in Madison County adjacent to Huntsville, Alabama, spanning roughly 38,000 acres of rolling terrain bordered in part by the Tennessee River and areas of the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. Positioned within the rapidly growing Huntsville-Decatur metro area, the installation is easily accessible through multiple gate entrances, most notably Gate 9 on Rideout Road, and sits near major roadways, research centers and federal partners. Its location provides a strategic blend of urban proximity, natural buffer zones and transportation access that supports its diverse defense, space and federal missions.

Additionally, access to recreation opportunities and services are 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, AL (100 miles), Atlanta, GA (246 miles), Chattanooga, TN (103 miles), Nashville, TN (125 miles), Memphis, TN (216 miles) or Destin, FL (358 miles).

Huntsville International Airport, also known as Carl T. Jones Field, is located at 1000 Glen Heard Rd. approximately ten miles (10-15 minutes) from Redstone Arsenal via Gate 9. Several major airlines arrive and depart daily including non-stop flights to approximately 18 destinations. Terminal features include free wi-fi, on-site dining, retail shops, lounges and an on-site Four Points by Sheraton Hotel. TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are available with minimal wait times. Public transportation includes taxis, shuttle services, rental cars and Uber/Lyft. To reach Redstone Arsenal from the airport, go straight on Glenn Heard Road to the intersection of I-565. Turn right towards Huntsville. Take the exit towards Redstone Arsenal/Research Park.

Visitors must have proper identification to access Redstone Arsenal. Identification such as a military ID, common access card, dependent ID, survivor access card or other War Department issued ID must be presented to gate security at access points. All other United States visitors must present a Real ID-compliant driver's license/ID card or a passport at the Redstone Visitor Control Center for entry. IDs will be registered in the Automated Installation Entry system. Gates 9 and 1 offer facial recognition lanes. Stop by the Gate 9 Visitors Center, located at 130 Golf Course Rd, for more information.

Redstone Arsenal does not provide taxi, shuttle or bus services. When requesting an off-post taxi or Uber, please ensure the company and driver has proper access to post.

The Redstone Arsenal information line may be reached at 256-876-2151. Please listen carefully to all options available. This is an automated line.

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