NIKE MISSILE SITE LA-96CLocation: San Vicente Mountain Park
Accessibility: Easy Created: Early 1960's |
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Los Angeles is home to movie stars, Hollywood, architectural wonders... and 16 different National Missile Silo sites. After WWII, a time of political tensions between the United States and Soviet Union led to a state of war dubbed the “Cold War,” due to the fact that no physical fighting occurred. Even though no shots were fired and armed forced stayed put, the United States took precautions including the construction of a network of anti-aircraft missile systems.
The project belonged to the US Army and fell into the developing hands of Bell Laboratories. From there, construction took place in defensive circles around two different sections of land. One was a Control Site, the other was the launch site, with the two sites separated by roughly three miles. The more populated the city, the more Nike Missile sites were constructed for protection of the population. They were built in twenty-seven different states with a total of two hundred and sixty five in the U.S.
The project belonged to the US Army and fell into the developing hands of Bell Laboratories. From there, construction took place in defensive circles around two different sections of land. One was a Control Site, the other was the launch site, with the two sites separated by roughly three miles. The more populated the city, the more Nike Missile sites were constructed for protection of the population. They were built in twenty-seven different states with a total of two hundred and sixty five in the U.S.
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A popular urban exploring spot still somewhat intact is LA-88L in Chatsworth. Maybe we'll get to offer more than just photos of this place in the future. Then there's the LA-96C Nike Missile Control site in San Vicente Mountain Park which was known for top security.
This control site was the only one in the area left in its original form once the Cold War was over. The iconic Target Ranging Radar overlook platform and is a popular spot for hikers with open parking and beautiful trails. For more information, check out our newest episode where we explore the LA-96 Nike Missile Control Site! 
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