The Village One development was created to house U.S. Army Ordnance officers, enlisted men and families, and skilled workers and scientists, who were working on and supervising the Nitrate Plant Number One. The development was part of the World War One effort, and the Plant utilized an experimental ammonium nitrate process needed for the production of high explosives. Prior to this effort, the United States did not have this production capability, and Sheffield, Alabama was chosen for its available railway, waterway access, and existing industrial infrastructure. In addition, it was a remote location, far away from the German enemy gunboats. Nitrate Plant One was the first ammonium nitrate plant in the United States.