OAHT 1612: Nike Ajax Missile & Okauchee Depot
MIM-3 Nike Ajax Missile
The Nike Ajax was a U.S. Army 2-stage anti-aircraft missile that was guided by a battery consisting of 3 radar systems. It was designed to protect major cities, strategic, and tactical targets from air attack. First deployed in December, 1953; it was 34 feet long, had a maximum speed of mach 2.25, and had a conventional warhead. The last Nike Ajax batteries were upgraded to the Nike Hercules system in 1964.
There is 1 known Nike Ajax on display in Wisconsin and it is at this location.
This missile was first located at the Nike Missile Site M-20, which is now where Summerfest is located. M-20 was in operation from 1957 to September 1969. The missiles were decommissioned and apparently up for grabs when Okauchee Legion members, then under the commandership of Earl Fitzsimmons, agreed that one would make a nice adornment to their post. A request was sent to the Department of Defense. Soon one of those Ajax missiles-on its original launcher- was being dropped off at this very location. On May 30, 1970, a dedication ceremony was held.
The Okauchee Depot
Looking across the street a little to the right is the original Okauchee Depot. This property originally was constructed in the circa 1880s by the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad to function as Okauchee's depot. It was moved in circa 1950 to its present location and remodeled as a residence.
Permission for placement by American Legion Post #399