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Around the globe, the word "NIKE" is now synonymous with the world's largest supplier of athletic shoes and apparel. However, globally and right here in the Pittsburgh area, from 1954 through 1974, the term NIKE was associated with something completely different. In the late-1940s, as the Cold War escalated, the threat of attack by long-range bombers from the Soviet Union was considered an imminent danger. Being one of the nation's largest industrial centers, the Pittsburgh area was ringed with a formidable air defense system consisting of conventional 90mm Anti-Aircraft Artillery guns.
In 1954, the Army introduced their new NIKE-AJAX anti-aircraft missiles to the area to complement the AA guns, enhancing the defensive ring around the city with several launch sites and control stations. The missiles were stored in underground silos. Named after the Greek Goddess of Victory, these supersonic missiles, which traveled over 1000 mph, could destroy any enemy aircraft approaching the city and created a nearly impervious defensive shield around the Steel City. The missiles carried conventional warheads, but later versions like the NIKE-Hercules, introduced in 1959, could be nuclear tipped.
The Steel City Defensive Network Missile Silos and Control Centers were established in places like North Park, South Park, West View, Oakdale, Coraopolis, Elizabeth, Heidelberg and Finleyville.
At the height of the air defense program, in 1963, there were 134 missile installations around the country, with the Pittsburgh area having the second largest network. NIKE installations were also constructed in allied countries around the globe. A Popular Attraction Here in Town Around the city and neighboring townships, NIKE missiles were commonly on display at local parades and fairs. They were highly visible during Armed Forces Day events. Dummy installations were set up downtown, where the public could get a hands-on view of the weapons.
NIKE Missiles also became an engaging prop at weddings which featured a bride and groom standing near, or sitting on, the rocket. The toy departments of Kaufmanns, Gimbels, G. C. Murphy and others carried an assortment of NIKE missile toys and hobby sets. Article Documenting a Visit to a Pittsburgh NIKE Site
The End of Pittsburgh's NIKE Era Over the years, advancements in military technologies, the evolving Soviet Intercontinental Ballistic Missile threat, and budgetary constraints forced the closure of several NIKE installations, with the Pittsburgh defensive network reduced to four sites (Coraopolis, Dorseyville, Herminie - Westmoreland County and Elrama - Washington County), in addition to the 18th AAA Group HQ in Oakdale. In March 1974, the Pentagon announced that the four remaining Pittsburgh area missile defense installations were being abandoned. The era of the NIKE missile defense network in Pittsburgh came to an end five months later when the Oakdale control center was closed.
NIKE Missile Carrier Turns Brookline Parade Closer to home, in the neighborhood of Brookline, a NIKE-Hercules missile carrier made its mark on July 4, 1966, when the vehicle struck a fire hydrant while making the turn from Brookline Boulevard onto Pioneer Avenue during the annual Independence Day Parade. The hydrant was damaged and spewed water for some time before the water company arrived to shut it down. In the meantime, nearby kids in the parade-watching crowd took the opportunity to frollick in the cool water. On the down side, the resulting slick road conditions were partially responsible for an automobile accident. There were no injuries. Photos of NIKE Missiles and Related Items
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