The Three Mile Island nuclear power plant in Pennsylvania begins to overheat and approach a nuclear meltdown before the nuclear damage is contained. The incident, the worst nuclear accident in American history, did not cause any fatalities or health effects, but the plant did emit small levels of radioactive gases into the atmosphere.
For over 75 years, American Heritage has chronicled our nation's history like no other publication. Please support our trusted, non-partisan historical writing and the volunteers that sustain it by donating today. We rely on contributions from readers like you to survive. Donate
