Florida's Forgotten Nike - Hercules Defense System: What's Left

Nike Missile System Florida Site HM69Photo byOCMM

A Blasts from the Past: Uncovering the History and Fate of Florida's Cold War Missile Bases And What's Left To See

Fort Lauderdale, FL - In the heat and heart of Florida, a forgotten relic of the Cold War remains: a vast network of underground bunkers and launch sites once designed to protect the United States from a nuclear attack. Now, decades after their construction, these missile defense installations stand as eerie testaments to a bygone era.

During the height of the Cold War, the United States government invested heavily in a network of missile defense systems designed to protect the country from potential Soviet attacks. One such system, the Nike-Hercules Missile Defense System, was deployed in Florida in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The system consisted of a series of missile sites, command centers, and radar stations stretching from Key West to Jacksonville. However, with the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War, the system was gradually decommissioned and abandoned, leaving behind a legacy of crumbling bunkers and infrastructure.

Nike Missile Site Radar FLPhoto byhttps://nikemissile.org/sites/hm95/

Historical Background
During the Cold War, the threat of nuclear attacks led to the establishment of missile defense systems across the United States. Florida, due to its strategic location, was home to several such sites. These included surface-to-air missile (SAM) sites and bunkers designed to protect against potential Soviet attacks.

The Cuban Missile Crisis marked a pivotal moment in the Cold War, prompting the U.S. government to bolster its air defense capabilities. In response, the Army commissioned the construction of 240 Nike Missile bases across the country, with several key sites located in South Florida. One of the most notable of these is the Nike Missile Site HM-69, situated within Everglades National Park near Homestead, Florida.

History of the Nike-Hercules System

The Nike-Hercules system was developed in the late 1950s as a response to the Soviet Union's growing ballistic missile capabilities. The system used a combination of radar, computers, and missiles to detect and intercept incoming enemy missiles. The system was designed to protect major cities and military installations from attack.

In Florida, the Nike-Hercules system was deployed at several sites, including:

• Key West Army Air Defense Command Post: Located on the southernmost tip of Florida, this site served as the command center for the entire system.
• Homestead-Miami Nike Site: Located near the Homestead-Miami Speedway, this site was one of the largest and most complex in the state.
• Jacksonville Nike Site: Located near the Jacksonville International Airport, this site was responsible for protecting the city and surrounding military installations.
• Tampa Nike Site: Located near the Tampa International Airport, this site was responsible for protecting the city and surrounding military installations.

The Fall of the Missile Defense System
The need for such an extensive defense system diminished with the easing of Cold War tensions and the signing of the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) agreements in the 1970s. The Nike missile sites were gradually decommissioned, leaving behind a network of abandoned bunkers and infrastructure.

Nike Missile Site HM-69Photo byhttps://www.nps.gov/ever/learn/news/veteransvisitparkeverpr101812.htm

Current Status of the Bunkers and Infrastructure
Today, many of these missile defense sites have fallen into disrepair. The bunkers, once state-of-the-art, now stand as relics of a bygone era. Overgrown with vegetation and subject to the elements, these structures are a stark reminder of the past.

Current Status

Today, many of the former Nike-Hercules sites in Florida are still standing, although they are largely overgrown and neglected. Some sites have been repurposed for other uses, such as:

• Key West Army Air Defense Command Post: Now serves as a museum and historic site, offering tours and exhibits on the history of the Nike-Hercules system.
• Homestead-Miami Nike Site: Has been converted into a county park, with some of the original bunkers and infrastructure still intact.
• Jacksonville Nike Site: Has been redeveloped into a commercial park, with some of the original bunkers still standing.
• Tampa Nike Site: Has been converted into a nature preserve, with some of the original bunkers and infrastructure still intact.

Accessibility and Safety Concerns
While some of these sites are technically accessible, they are not officially open to the public. Exploring these areas can be dangerous due to structural instability, wildlife, and potential exposure to hazardous materials. It is strongly advised to avoid venturing into these sites without proper authorization and safety measures.

Nike MissilesPhoto byOCMM

Today, HM-69 is open to visitors, offering a unique opportunity to explore a piece of Cold War history. The National Park Service conducts daily tours during the winter months, from early December to late March. These tours include visits to the missile barns, barracks, and other facilities, providing a detailed look at the lives of the soldiers who manned these sites. A restored Nike-Hercules missile is also on display, serving as a poignant reminder of the era's tensions.

Safety and Accessibility

While some of the former Nike-Hercules sites are open to visitors, others are not. The safety of exploring these sites varies greatly, and visitors are advised to exercise caution when visiting.

• Key West Army Air Defense Command Post: Open to visitors, with guided tours available.
• Homestead-Miami Nike Site: Open to visitors, with self-guided tours available.
• Jacksonville Nike Site: Not open to visitors due to safety concerns and private property restrictions.
• Tampa Nike Site: Open to visitors, with self-guided tours available.

Preservation Efforts
There have been some efforts to preserve these historical sites. Local historical societies and preservation groups have shown interest in maintaining these bunkers as historical landmarks. However, funding and bureaucratic challenges have hindered significant progress.

Together Forward
Florida's former missile defense system is a fascinating chapter in the state's history. While the bunkers and infrastructure may not be safe for casual exploration, they serve as important reminders of the Cold War era. Efforts to preserve these sites continue, ensuring that future generations can learn about this critical period in history.

Florida's forgotten missile defense system is a fascinating piece of Cold War history, offering a glimpse into the country's military past. While some of the former Nike-Hercules sites are open to visitors, others are not, and visitors are advised to exercise caution when exploring these sites. Preservation efforts are underway to document and preserve the remaining sites, ensuring that this important piece of history is not lost forever.

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