A Relic of The Cold War – HM69 Nike Missile Base in The Everglades
Here’s something that you’d never expect to see in South Florida – a Nike Missile Base in The Everglades! Yes, Everglades National Park houses this well-preserved relic of The Cold War. It’s a historic Nike Hercules missile site called “Alpha Battery” or “HM69”.
This interesting (and very scary) part of our world’s history is on Long Pine Key Road in Everglades National Park. Joannie and I stopped to look around on one of our visits to the park in February. And I’m so glad that we did too!
Here we are, with some serious firepower behind us – a Nike Missile!
On The U.S. Department of the Interior Register of Historic Places
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed the site’s construction in 1965. That was right after the Cuban Missile Crisis of October 1962. At that time, the nation’s air defenses were positioned to protect against a possible Soviet air attack from over the North Pole. This, and other anti-aircraft missile sites, were established to protect against a possible air attack from the south.
This Nike Hercules missile site was listed as a Historic District on the U.S. Department of the Interior Register of Historic Places on July 27, 2004. The site remains pretty much the same as it was when the official use of the site ended in 1979.
A Nike Hercules missile could travel 87 miles downrange and 150,000 feet in altitude. It had great maneuverability and could reach the speed of Mach 3.65 (2,707 miles per hour). It could be armed with either a high explosive or nuclear warhead.
The area includes 3 missile barns. and a missile assembly building with 2 Nike Hercules missiles on display! It also has a guard dog kennel, barracks, and other support elements. HM69 was also significant because of the technology employed. The South Florida Nike Hercules sites were integrated with Hawk missile sites. Together, they provided 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. It is one of the few times it was awarded for deterrence rather than engagement with the enemy.
A close-up of a Nike Missile at Everglades National Park.
Visiting the Nike Missile Site
The site is open most days between early December and late March. There is an open house program, as well as Ranger-guided tours. The Visitor programs fluctuate due to seasonal changes and staffing capability. The volunteer who met us was very knowledgeable about the history of the whole operation.
If you would like to plan a visit to the site, check with the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center or click here to view the park’s calendar for scheduled programs at the site.
If you enjoy landscape, nature, and wildlife photography, our website has several featured pages with more to come. We invite you to check them out!
Wildlife Photography in South Florida
Photographs of Bald Eagles
Photographs of Alaska Brown Bears (Grizzlies)
Humpback Whale Photographs
Photographs of Pele’s Well in Hawaii
Nature and Wildlife Photography on Maui – Raising money for the Maui Fire Relief Effort
More nature and wildlife locations to come! Thank you for spending time on our website. Please contact us if you have any questions. – M&J