Nike Hercules Missile at Fort Hancock, Gateway National Recreation Area
Sandy Hook Unit Main Page | Military Sites at Sandy Hook
A former Nike Missile Site is located in the Sandy Hook Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area. It operated from 1954 up until Fort Hancock closed in 1974, at which time the missiles were moved to a site out west. These were surface to air missiles, some of which were outfitted with a nuclear warhead. Missiles without a warhead were designed to shoot down a single plane, whereas one with a warhead caused a mid-air explosion so large that it could wipe out multiple enemy aircraft.
The missile base is divided into two areas. If you are driving north on the main park road towards Fort Hancock, the first area you will pass is the launch site. Two Nike Missiles are on display along the road, and you can see some of the barracks on your right. This area is not open to the public, but guided tours are given a few days each year.
Nike Ajax missile at Fort Hancock, Gateway National Recreation Area
The actual launch pad is along the beach, and you can get to it by taking a walk north from Beach E. The missiles were stored underground and popped up when ready to launch. There is nothing on the launch pad now, and it resembles an abandoned parking lot.
Satellite view of the Nike Launch Site
If you continue north from the missile displays towards the fort, be on the lookout for Parking Lot L. It is just past the second road on your right after leaving the launch site. This is the Integrated Fire Control station. Again, this is closed to the public expect during guided tours that are offered on select weekends from April through November. Tours are conducted by members of the Fort Hancock Nike Association. For a schedule, see the Fort Hancock Nike Association website.
I can say from experience that they don’t hold the tours if it is raining or even threatening to rain, because that’s the reason why I didn’t get a tour. I showed up in a light mist, and no one was there but me. I could see a few of the buildings and radar towers from behind the fence.
Integrated Fire Control Station at the Fort Hancock Nike Missile Site
Integrated Fire Control Station at the Fort Hancock Nike Missile Site
Guardian Park at the entrance to Fort Hancock also has a relationship to the Nike Missile project. On May 22, 1958, eight Ajax missiles exploded at the Leonardo, New Jersey, Nike Missile Site, killing six Army personnel and four civilian contractors. A memorial to those who died was erected at Guardian Park, which is today a large picnic area. An Ajax and Hercules missile are part of the memorial.
Guardian Park at Fort Hancock, Gateway National Recreation Area
Memorial for Nike Missile site accident victims at Fort Hancock’s Guardian Park
While I was not able to attend a tour of the Nike Missile site due to timing, I was able to attend a similar tour at Everglades National Park, which also once hosted a Nike Missile Site due to its proximity to Cuba. In fact, that was my favorite tour of all those given at the park. See the Nike Missile Site Tour web page for information on that tour if you plan to be visiting the Everglades.
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Last updated on December 19, 2022
