Roswell: The Record Trail

A July 1947 military announcement, a rapid balloon explanation, and a later federal search for the surviving government record.

WhenJuly 1947

WhereNear Roswell, New Mexico

Official record trailSources linkedv1

Timeline

What each dated step adds to the record.

01
July 8, 1947Documented
Roswell Army Air Field announces recovery
The public information office reported recovery of a flying disc near Roswell.
02
July 9, 1947Documented
Military explanation changes
The Eighth Air Force explanation described a radar-tracking balloon rather than a disc-shaped craft.
03
July 28, 1995Documented
GAO publishes its records search
The audit reported the records found, the agencies contacted, and the limitations created by missing or destroyed files.