NIKE MISSILE SITE LA-88LLocation: North of Chatsworth, CA
Accessibility: Moderate Hiking Created: 1956 |
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After the end of War World Two in 1945, the United States and Soviet Union were at odds, and the air was thick with fear at the idea of yet another war. Threats were promises, and development of nuclear weapons crossed every American’s mind.
Located on the side of Oat Mountain in Chatsworth California is a landmark of these tensions and civilian unrest. Welcome to LA-88L. LA-88L is one of sixteen abandoned Nike missile bases sprinkled around Los Angeles. These bases were once alive, alert and active. Named after the Goddess of Victory from Greek Mythology, LA-88 was a U.S. Army project initiated by Bell Laboratories. During the Cold War, the U.S. Army built and operated almost 300 Nike Missile Sites across the United States. The idea behind these bases was that civilians would be protected from Soviet Attack in the event of an air strike. Each base was a line of sight anti air craft missile system. Of all the Nike missile bases, LA-88L was the first to use sentry guard dogs on the property and convert to Hercules missiles that could be armed with nuclear warheads.
LA-88L remained active until 1974 after an arms-reduction treaty was signed by US and Soviet Union. The Cold War was over, but the missile sites around the city remain hot spots. The LAPD put the base to use in the 1990’s with target practice and training. The area is officially not opened to the public. Click on the video above to check out our exploration of abandoned Nike Missile Site LA-88!
Located on the side of Oat Mountain in Chatsworth California is a landmark of these tensions and civilian unrest. Welcome to LA-88L. LA-88L is one of sixteen abandoned Nike missile bases sprinkled around Los Angeles. These bases were once alive, alert and active. Named after the Goddess of Victory from Greek Mythology, LA-88 was a U.S. Army project initiated by Bell Laboratories. During the Cold War, the U.S. Army built and operated almost 300 Nike Missile Sites across the United States. The idea behind these bases was that civilians would be protected from Soviet Attack in the event of an air strike. Each base was a line of sight anti air craft missile system. Of all the Nike missile bases, LA-88L was the first to use sentry guard dogs on the property and convert to Hercules missiles that could be armed with nuclear warheads.
LA-88L remained active until 1974 after an arms-reduction treaty was signed by US and Soviet Union. The Cold War was over, but the missile sites around the city remain hot spots. The LAPD put the base to use in the 1990’s with target practice and training. The area is officially not opened to the public. Click on the video above to check out our exploration of abandoned Nike Missile Site LA-88!
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Here are some additional clips from our adventure that did not make it into the final cut of the episode.
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