Quebec-One Missile Alert Facility facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Quebec 01 Missile Alert Facility State Historic Site |
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![]() Entrance Sign to the Quebec-01 Historic Site in Chugwater, Wyoming
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Location | Laramie County, Wyoming, U.S. |
Nearest city | Cheyenne, Wyoming |
Established | December 2017 |
Governing body | Wyoming State Parks |
Website | [1] |
Quebec-One Missile Alert Facility
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Area | less than one acre |
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NRHP reference No. | 100009836 |
Significant dates | |
Added to NRHP | December 11, 2023 |
Designated NHL | December 11, 2023 |
The Quebec-One Missile Alert Facility, also known as Quebec-01, is a unique historic site located about 30 miles north of Cheyenne, Wyoming, near Chugwater. This facility was once a secret underground control center for powerful United States Air Force missiles. It played an important role in the defense of the United States during the Cold War.
Today, Quebec-01 is a fascinating place where you can learn about missile technology and the history of the Cold War. It opened to the public in August 2019 as the Quebec 01 Missile Alert Facility State Historic Site.
Contents
What Was Quebec-01?
Quebec-01 was a special kind of military base called an ICBM launch control facility. ICBM stands for Intercontinental Ballistic Missile. These were very long-range missiles designed to travel across continents. The facility's job was to monitor and, if needed, launch these missiles.
An Underground Command Center
The facility was built in 1962 and operated by the 400th Missile Squadron. It was mostly underground to protect the crew and equipment. From this hidden location, Air Force personnel could keep watch over the missiles and be ready for any emergency.
A History of Powerful Missiles
Over the years, Quebec-01 was updated to control different types of missiles. Each upgrade meant more advanced technology and greater capabilities.
From Minuteman to Peacekeeper
When it first opened, Quebec-01 worked with the Minuteman missile. This was a very important missile system. In 1970, the facility was upgraded to control the Minuteman-III missile, which was an improved version. Later, in 1986, it was converted again to operate the even more advanced Peacekeeper ICBM. This shows how technology changed rapidly during the Cold War.
Becoming a Historic Site
The Quebec-01 facility was no longer needed for missile operations and was officially closed in 2005. After its deactivation, the United States Air Force worked to restore it. In December 2017, it was given to Wyoming State Parks.
Visiting Quebec-01 Today
Since August 2019, Quebec-01 has been open for visitors. It's a great place to learn about a significant part of American history. You can explore the underground command center and imagine what it was like for the Air Force crews who worked there. It's a unique way to understand the Cold War and the technology used during that time.