Dublin Core
Title
Nike Site Case and Tube
Subject
Service, Cold War, Nike Site
Description
In October 1954, the U.S. Army sought farmland sites around Milwaukee to place the Army’s Nike Ajax Missile Battery. In March 1955, Waukesha became one of the eight communities in the area to receive one. Other nearby sites included Cudahy, Hales Corners, Muskego, and Brown Deer.
The Waukesha M-47 Nike Site was located at Davidson Road, overlooking the city and at an elevation where the radars were free from interference. The site was completed in 1956. First Lt. Rayl was the first commanding officer.
In April 1963, the construction of the High Power Acquisition Radar (HIPAR) began. The electron tube displayed here was used for the modulator. The black carrying case held a powerstat and control panel. The radar operators and the missile crewmen were ready to combat any Soviet planes in the event of an assault. By March 1971, the government decided to close the Nike Site, as well as others in Brown Deer and Lakefront. The grounds were abandoned until the Nixon Administration gave the land to the city in October 1972 for its “Legacy of Parks” program. The site is known today as Hillcrest Park.
Donor: James Moldenauer
Adopt an Artifact Sponsor: SPX Transformer Solutions
The Waukesha M-47 Nike Site was located at Davidson Road, overlooking the city and at an elevation where the radars were free from interference. The site was completed in 1956. First Lt. Rayl was the first commanding officer.
In April 1963, the construction of the High Power Acquisition Radar (HIPAR) began. The electron tube displayed here was used for the modulator. The black carrying case held a powerstat and control panel. The radar operators and the missile crewmen were ready to combat any Soviet planes in the event of an assault. By March 1971, the government decided to close the Nike Site, as well as others in Brown Deer and Lakefront. The grounds were abandoned until the Nixon Administration gave the land to the city in October 1972 for its “Legacy of Parks” program. The site is known today as Hillcrest Park.
Donor: James Moldenauer
Adopt an Artifact Sponsor: SPX Transformer Solutions
Publisher
Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum
Date
1964
Rights
Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum