Atomic Bar Opens on Tybee Island Honoring 1958 Lost Nuclear Bomb History

Tybee Island has opened a new cocktail bar called the Atomic Bar, inspired by the island's unique history involving a lost Mark 15 hydrogen thermonuclear bomb. The bomb was accidentally dropped in 1958 after a collision between an F-86 fighter jet and a B-47 bomber, and despite recovery efforts, it remains missing in the waters near the island. Although initially believed to be a dummy, a 1996 Congressional testimony confirmed the bomb was fully functional with a nuclear capsule, but the Air Force maintains the island is safe as the bomb likely lacks a trigger. The Atomic Bar, managed by Wes Putnam and owned by his father Stu Putnam, features 1950s-themed decor including a genuine military practice bomb, lava lamps, and atomic-shaped lamps, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. The bar held its ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 3, 2025, with a grand opening planned for October 9, operating Thursday through Saturday evenings. This establishment aims to acknowledge Tybee's historical significance rather than celebrate nuclear weapons, blending local lore with a unique cocktail experience.