21/05/2024
The Everglades actually housed missile sites there’s a few decommissioned sites you can visit
HM69 Nike Missile Base
A 252 Launch Area 2
Aerial View of Nike Missile Base Launch Area
NPS
A Relic of The Cold War
Everglades National Park houses one of the best preserved relics of the Cold War in Florida, a historic Nike Hercules missile site called "Alpha Battery" or "HM69".
A Historic Site
The site remains virtually the same as it was when official use of the site ended in 1979. Construction of the site by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was completed in 1965, just after the Cuban Missile Crisis of October 1962. At the time, the nation's air defenses were positioned to protect against a possible Soviet air attack over the North Pole and thus, this and other anti-aircraft missile sites were established to protect against a possible air attack from the south. The Nike Hercules missile site was listed on the U.S. Department of the Interior Register of Historic Places on July 27, 2004 as a Historic District.
The area includes 3 missile barns, a missile assembly building, a guard dog kennel, barracks, 2 Nike Hercules missiles, and various support elements. HM69 was also significant because of the technology employed. The South Florida Nike Hercules sites were integrated with Hawk missile sites to provide an all altitude defensive capability around South Florida. Approximately 140 soldiers staffed the 3 above-ground missile barns of HM69 to protect against an air attack from Cuba. The personnel of HM69, along with the members of other South Florida units, received the Army Meritorious Unit Commendation which was one of the few times that it was awarded for deterrence rather than engagement with the enemy.
Visiting the Site
Visitors may visit the site most days between early December and late March. There is an open house program, as well as Ranger-guided tours. Our visitor programs fluctuate due to seasonal changes and staffing capability. Please check with the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center or view our park calendar for scheduled programs at the site.
Everglades Institute takes visitors to the site daily as a part of their programming, visit evernpi.org for mor information.
