• Minuteman Silo Image

    Minuteman Missile

    National Historic Site South Dakota

Deterring War, Preserving Peace

The Cold War - an event lasting almost 50 years in human history that caused fear, panic, and distrust during the time of nuclear weapons development in the United States and Soviet Union. Minuteman missiles held the power to destroy civilization, but this destructive force also acted as a nuclear deterrent which maintained peace and prevented war.

Did You Know?

Signing of the START Treaty

The START Treaty signed in September 1991, directly led to the deactivation of 150 Minuteman Missiles of the 44th Missile Wing in western South Dakota.