You are here

Home » Nike Nuclear Missile En Route To Everglades National Park

Nike Nuclear Missile En Route To Everglades National Park

Share

Published Date

August 23, 2012

This defanged Nike missile is destined for Everglades National Park, where it will go on display at a 1960s-era missile base built in response to the Cuban Missile Crisis. Anniston Army Depot photo via NPS.

Everglades National Park soon will have its very own nuclear missile. A decommissioned one, that is.

The 41-foot-long missile, once its rust has been scrubbed free, a fresh coat of paint is applied, and military markings restored, is destined for a once-active missile pad in the Everglades that now is part of the national park.

The missile base was one of four the United States built in south Florida during the Cuban Missile Crisis that was sparked in 1962 when the Soviet Union and Cuba were spotted building missile launch facilities on the island nation.

Military use of the Everglades site ended in 1979 and the facility, dubbed HM69 Nike Missile Base, was turned over to the NPS. In January 2009 the Park Service began offering visitor tours of the Everglades base.

The obsolete Nike missile was obtained from the Anniston Army Depot in Alabama. This past week it was delivered to a Miami high school where students were to begin work on cleaning up the missile. It is expected to be at the Everglades' site in time for the 50th anniversary of the Cuban Missile Crisis in October.

Public tours of the site are expected to resume in December.

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Comments

Submitted by admin on August 23, 2012 - 3:23pm.

Just what I want to see when I go to the Everglades!! LOL


Submitted by admin on August 29, 2012 - 11:55am.

These were nuclear missiles and the U.S. government had some reluctance to send them to the Miami area during the missile crisis. I'm a historian who's written a book about these weapons. more here: www.ChristopherJohnBright.com


Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.