Nike Missile Site BA-79

You do not always get a chance to visit a decommissioned source of terror. In fact, this is one of only 5 throughout the country (the other four are national parks!). It’s a reminder of a time bygone. We still live in fear, but it’s a different type these days (thank goodness?).

This site is maintained by the friendly folks at the Civil Air Patrol Maryland Wing. The safety standards are thankfully lax so you can wander and climb the stairs and ladders to the launch areas below.

If you want an insightful look at a particular point in time for our country and how we have previously dealt with potential apocalyptic disaster, this will provide a true blast from the past.

But there are very few (too few) actual missile displays and displays in general. And whether feature or bug, you’ll listen to 30+ minutes of history in a classroom and non-classroom setting. Enjoyment here partially requires active engagement with the volunteers and your own research for contextualizing what is essentially a dilapidated military site in process of being restored but that time has otherwise (somewhat thankfully) left behind.

Otherwise, you can read some other great accounts here:

• The official website for Nike Missile Site BA-79
• The Baltimore Banner’s story (and you know I love The Baltimore Banner)
• The Washington Post’s story (and you may know I kinda enjoy the Post)
• Wikipedia’s entry for Project Nike

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