NIKE HERCULES MISSILE SITES IN ALASKA
Our Cold War Heritage
1959-1978

In 1959 U.S. Army Alaska began an important Cold War mission with the activation of eight Nike Hercules missile sites in Anchorage and Fairbanks. As a ground based antiaircraft defensive system, Nike Hercules played a vital role in protecting cities, industrial centers and military installations against aerial attack.

Multiple Nike sites were built in rings around areas in need of defense, and would have deployed missiles armed with high yield explosives or nuclear weapons to destroy attacking aircraft formations. Dedicated Army soldiers under the Army Air Defense Command operated Nike Hercules batteries around the clock. Each battery required a minimum of 125 Soldiers to operate the complex system, provide security, and support those living on site.

Alaska had eight Nike sites with five batteries in Fairbanks and three in Anchorage. Several unique design features were employed in Alaska to accommodate the severe weather. Retractable clamshell covers were built over the radar for sheltered maintenance and periodic deicing. The launch buildings were built above ground, and the housing complex and integrated fire control functions were combined in one building. Also, Alaska was one of the few states in the country that practiced live missile firings. Site Summit hosted the Annual Service Practice for Anchorage area batteries from 1960 to 1964, until population growth rendered the exercise unsafe.

The Fairbanks Nike sites were closed in 1970 and 1971, while the Anchorage batteries continued operating until 1979. Today, Nike Site Summit on Fort Richardson is the only Alaskan Nike site to retain historic integrity. Only 15 miles from downtown Anchorage, Site Summit rises 4,000 feet above sea level, providing an incredible scenic view of Anchorage, the Susitna and Cook Inlet basins, and surrounding mountains. Nike Site Summit Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Management Strategy for the Site Summit Historic District

USAG Alaska proposes to implement a management strategy of selective retention for the Site Summit Historic District (Site Summit). Selective retention includes securing of structures that are critical to the historical understanding of Site Summit, demolition of unused structures
(with the retention of their foundations for interpretation), and the securing of other remaining structures at Site Summit. This proposed undertaking is needed to address existing USAG Alaska military training needs, human health and safety concerns, and vandalism issues associated with trespassing. Recently, USAG Alaska finalized the Environmental Assessment/Finding of No Significant Impact for management of Site Summit.

Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act requires that USAG Alaska consider the effects of this proposed undertaking on the integrity of Site Summit. USAG Alaska has found that this proposed undertaking will adversely affect Site Summit, and therefore USAG Alaska is consulting with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, Alaska State Historic Preservation Officer, and other interested parties to minimize and mitigate the adverse effects to the historic property.

The following documents were created for or are being used during this consultation process. For further information contact Lisa Graham, Cultural Resources Specialist, IMPC-FWA-PW, 1060 Gaffney Road #4500, Fort Wainwright, Alaska 99703-4500; (907) 361-9358; lisa.graham2@us.army.mil

Documents

NRHP Nomination Form 25September1995 (1.2 MB)

Site Summit Nike Hercules Missile Installation Booklet 01June1996 (2.3 MB)

Site Summit Chronology (210 kB)

Site Summit Historic District Booklet (2.3 MB)

Nike Hercules Operations in Alaska 1959-1979 (Report)

Cost Analysis of Selected Structures at Nike Site Summit (Report) (1.14MB)

Correspondence

CRM 106 Management Strategy Site Summit 01September2007 (1.2 MB)

Agency Letter Site Summit Historic District Meeting 01October2007 (1.8 MB)

Consulting Party Letter 08February2008 (3.7 MB)

Consulting Party Letter 28August2008 (38 kB)

Consulting Party Letter 04September2008 (86 kB)

Maps

FRA Lower Site Summit 13February.2008 (1.9 MB)

FRA Upper Site Summit 13February2008 (984 kB)

Map Site Summit Historic District (1.7 MB)

Site Summit 11x17 29February2008 (602 kB)

Links

The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation

The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's Guide to Section 106 Review

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