Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile State Historic Site facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile State Historic Site |
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Oscar Zero Missile Alert Facility
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 Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile State Historic Site
Location in North Dakota
Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile State Historic Site
Location in the United States
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| Location | Griggs County, North Dakota, U.S. |
| Nearest city | Cooperstown, North Dakota |
| Area | 17 acres (6.9 ha) |
| Established | July 29, 2009 |
| Governing body | State Historical Society of North Dakota |
| Website | Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile State Historic Site |
The Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile State Historic Site is a special place in North Dakota. It shows two old missile sites near Cooperstown, North Dakota. These sites were important during the Cold War, a time when the United States and the Soviet Union had a lot of tension.
The site helps people understand what it was like during that time. It includes the Oscar-Zero Missile Alert Facility and the November-33 Launch Facility. The State Historical Society of North Dakota takes care of this historic site.
Contents
What Was the Cold War?
The Cold War was a period of political and military tension. It lasted from the end of World War II until the early 1990s. During this time, the United States and its allies faced off against the Soviet Union and its allies. Both sides had many powerful weapons, including nuclear missiles. The "Cold" part means there was no direct fighting between the main countries.
The Minuteman Missiles
The two facilities at the site were part of the 321st Missile Wing. This was a group of missile launch sites spread over a huge area of about 6,500 square miles (17,000 km2). These sites were located around the Grand Forks Air Force Base.
The missiles stored here were called Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs). These were very powerful rockets that could travel long distances. They were a key part of the United States' defense during the Cold War.
Oscar-Zero and November-33
The Oscar-Zero Site is very special. It is the last launch control center that is still complete and open to the public. This is where military personnel would have controlled the missiles.
The November-33 facility was a missile silo. This is an underground area where a missile was kept ready for launch. Visitors can see the top part of this facility.
Visiting the Historic Site
When you visit the Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile State Historic Site, you can take a guided tour. These tours help you learn about the daily lives of the people who worked there. You can see where they lived and worked above ground.
You can also go underground to see the launch control operations. This gives you a unique look at how these important facilities worked. It helps everyone understand a big part of American history.
See Also
- List of museums in North Dakota
- Minuteman Missile National Historic Site
- Titan Missile Museum
- Strategic missile forces museum in Ukraine – A similar museum in the country that was once part of the Soviet Union.
