Nike Missile Site HM-69

It's insane that two men, sitting on opposite sides of the world, should be able to decide to bring an end to civilization - John F. Kennedy, Oct 27, 1962

In the heart of the Everglades National Park sits a well preserved relic of the Cold War. Now a historic site, Nike Hercules Missile Base, HM-69 is much the same as it was when the site ceased to have its military function back in 1979.

When the Cuban Missile Crisis was playing out in 1962, our military scrambled to seal off the perimeter in south Florida. Prior to this event our only exposure to Soviet attack had come from over the North Pole. In October of 62 the army's 2nd missile battalion and 52nd Air Defense Artillery were deployed to the entrance to the National Park. This location proved to be a poor place to set up a military camp, flooding out with the first rains of the season. In response to the situation the national park managers issued a permit to build a base within the park and HM-69 was born. The base was completed in 1964 immediately following the Cuban Missile Crisis of October 1962. Just 160 miles from the coast of Cuba the anti-aircraft site was strategic in our national security as the Soviet Union built missile sites in Cuba.

In 2004 HM-69 was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and today, we toured the site. A great tour, well worth the time.