Nike Ajax Missile Site
Isle of Wight County
At the conclusion of World War II, tension existed between the Soviet Union and the democratic counties of the West. This tension, or Cold War, continued until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. During this time of widening ideological beliefs, escalating tensions were quantifiable by both sides’ costly defense spending and propaganda. Fear of Soviet bombings sparked the United States’ creation of a Nike surface-to-air missile system ready to protect major metropolitan areas as well as large military installations like those found in Hampton Roads. The Carrollton Nike Missile Battery, N-75, was operational by 1954 and was one of eight bases that made up the Norfolk Defense Area. As with all continental bases, it consisted of two areas: a launch area and a control area. These two sites were connected by an underground cable system that enabled them to communicate. In 1963, this base ceased to be used as a missile site, and the Army Signal Corps used it as a RADAR site.
The former Nike-Ajax missile base is now home to the Isle of Wight County Parks and Recreation Department. The park, over 100 acres in size, offers different recreational activities and features softball and soccer fields, basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts, picnic areas, nature and mountain bike trails, skate park, playgrounds, senior center and a recreation hall. In addition, there are fishing opportunities in Jones Creek
The former Nike-Ajax missile base is now home to the Isle of Wight County Parks and Recreation Department. The park, over 100 acres in size, offers different recreational activities and features softball and soccer fields, basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts, picnic areas, nature and mountain bike trails, skate park, playgrounds, senior center and a recreation hall. In addition, there are fishing opportunities in Jones Creek
Nike Park & Its Role in Coastal Defense |
Missile Magazines |
Location & Hours
13036 Nike Park Road
Carrollton, VA 23314
(757) 357-0115
The park is open daily from dawn until dusk.
13036 Nike Park Road
Carrollton, VA 23314
(757) 357-0115
The park is open daily from dawn until dusk.
Contact us
Jennifer Williams, Historic Resources Manager, 757-357-0115
Tracey Neikirk, Isle of Wight County Museum Curator, 757-356-1014
Denise Haynes, Isle of Wight County Museum Administrator, 757-356-1223
Isle of Wight County Historic Resources Division, Department of Tourism
Tracey Neikirk, Isle of Wight County Museum Curator, 757-356-1014
Denise Haynes, Isle of Wight County Museum Administrator, 757-356-1223
Isle of Wight County Historic Resources Division, Department of Tourism
