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Quebec-One Missile Alert Facility facts for kids

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Quebec 01 Missile Alert Facility State Historic Site
Quebec 01 Historic Site.jpg
Entrance Sign to the Quebec-01 Historic Site in Chugwater, Wyoming
Quebec 01 Missile Alert Facility State Historic Site is located in Wyoming
Quebec 01 Missile Alert Facility State Historic Site
Quebec 01 Missile Alert Facility State Historic Site
Location in Wyoming
Quebec 01 Missile Alert Facility State Historic Site is located in the United States
Quebec 01 Missile Alert Facility State Historic Site
Quebec 01 Missile Alert Facility State Historic Site
Location in the United States
Location Laramie County, Wyoming, U.S.
Nearest city Cheyenne, Wyoming
Established December 2017 (2017-12)
Governing body Wyoming State Parks
Website [1]
Quebec-One Missile Alert Facility
Area less than one acre
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.

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.

Peacekeeper Missile Alert Station
Underground command and control center at the former Quebec-01 Missile Alert Station

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.

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