The National Park Service named 24 sites worthy of national historic landmark consideration.
The National Park Service put out a new theme study called Protecting America: Cold War Defensive Sites, according to an October article. These sites were created to defend America in the second half of the 20th century and may now qualify as historic landmarks.
“As a former Cold War Veteran, I understand this study meets an urgent need to identify Cold War properties that are rapidly disappearing," National Parks Director Charles Sams said in an Oct. 7 news release. "The history of the Cold War is told in just a handful of our national parks and National Historic Landmarks, but there are many opportunities to learn about and discuss this complex and recent history. This study provides a framework for scholars, researchers and educators to share a deeper history through the power of place. I’m grateful for the work of our staff, collaborative partners and the members of the Cold War Advisory Committee for their tremendous efforts in compiling this study.”
Properties identified include, Atlas ICBM Launch Facilities, B-29 Serial No. 45-21847, BIkini Atoll Nuclear Test Site, Bush Compound, Camp David, La Casa Pacifica, Cheyenne Mountain Complex, Defense Early Warning Line, Nike Missile Facilities, General Purpose Laboratory, Little White House, Nevada Test Site, USS New Jersey, Office of Strategic Services/CIA Headquarters, Pierce-Mill Barn, Presidential Bunkers for JFK, Rancho del Cielo, Raven Rock, Julius and Ethel Rosenberg's apartment, Stanley R. Mickelson Safeguard Anri-Ballistic Missile Complex, Sedan Crater, Strategic Air Command Ground Alert Facility, Strategic Air Command Headquarters and USS Turner Joy, according to the release.
There are 17 sites already designated as National Historic Landmarks, including Air Force Facility Missile Site 8 Military Reservation in Pima County, Ariz., now the Titan Missile Museum; the White Sands V-2 rocket launching test site in Dona Ana County, N.M.; and the USS Nautilus in Groton, Conn., according to the article.
The theme study identified the sites for their associations with nationally significant topics within the Cold War context. Inclusion on this list does not mean conclusions have been made about whether the properties meet historic landmark requirements.
