Average civilians probably don’t think of Connecticut as a particularly war-mongering state. But, it may surprise you to learn that at one point, the state was home to 12 active Nike missile defense sites. These sites were some of more than 250 placed all over the country and were intended to defend the U.S. against Russian attacks during the Cold War. One such site is right in the middle of the beautiful Meshomasic State Forest, and its remnants are visible from the public hiking trails.

Project Nike was part of a U.S. Army effort to defend the United States from potential attacks. The sites consisted of a launch site for a warhead that, when triggered, would explode incoming bombers, and a radar area.
Joanne Britton/Alltrails
The Meshomasic State Forest, established in 1903, is a multi-state preserve that spans 9,000 acres.
Brenda Byers-Britney/Alltrails
You certainly wouldn't expect it to be home to a missile base, but the HA-26 Nike Missile Site was operational here from 1956-1963.
Mustafa Kothawala/Alltrails

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Of course, there are no longer any active missiles at the site, but within the forest you can see both the launch site and the nearby control tower.
Doug K/Alltrails
This area once held guard's quarters, a military barracks, and more.
Seiko Ono/Alltrails
You can still see hints of the land's past use: there are some concrete structures, building foundations, and more still present.
Mike Morrell/Alltrails
It's amazing to think this peaceful state forest once held a weapon of destruction!
Justin Wadja/Alltrails
 

You can view the remnants of this abandoned missile in Connecticut via trails in the Meshomasic State Forest. Check out maps on Alltrails.

What other abandoned place in Connecticut would you like to see featured? Mention your suggestions in the comments or suggest a place via our Nominations page.

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Meshomasic State Forest, Connecticut, USA