November 22, 2023
Press Release
The state historical society is reminding readers of a time when two western Oklahoma cities prepared to house nuclear missiles.
The fall 2023 edition of The Chronicles of Oklahoma includes the article “Nike Missile Fail: When Elk City and Clinton Almost Went Nuclear” by SWOSU history professor Landry Brewer.
“When the Soviet Union acquired nuclear weapons in 1949, the U.S. prepared to defend itself against a Soviet nuclear attack delivered by long-range bombers,” Brewer said.
The U.S. Army deployed hundreds of Nike surface-to-air missile batteries across the country in the 1950s.
The Nike Hercules was the nation’s first antiaircraft missile to carry a nuclear warhead.
Nike launch sites were sometimes stationed near Strategic Air Command bases that operated nuclear weapons. One SAC base scheduled to be protected by Nike Hercules missiles was Burns Flat’s Clinton-Sherman Air Force Base.
As a result, Nike Hercules missile batteries were scheduled to be placed near Elk City and Clinton in 1959. These would have been the first Nike missiles placed in Oklahoma.
“Two launch batteries requiring hundreds of acres of land near Elk City and Clinton would have brought more than 200 Army personnel to live near those cities and operate those missile sites around the clock,” Brewer said. “Construction of Nike Hercules launch sites would have cost around $2 million, and thousands of dollars of monthly payroll would have been earned—and spent—by the Army personnel living near those cities.”
The edition of The Chronicles of Oklahoma that includes the article is scheduled to be available by the end of November.
Go to https://www.okhistory.org/publications/chronicles for publication information or to purchase copies.
Copyright 2023 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
SWOSU Partners with Cohlmia Family to Boost Life Skills Education
October 15, 2024 SWOSU Press Release Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has announced the receipt of a major charitable gift from longtime SWOSU benefactors George and Karla Cohlmia of Edmond.
Voices and Votes: Democracy in America Event Concludes with a Day of Celebration
October 15, 2024 Cheyenne, OK – Saturday is the final day of the Smithsonian’s traveling exhibit Voices and Votes: Democracy in America will be hosted by the Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce, Oklahoma Humanities, and the Cheyenne/Roger Mills
Clinton Traffic Stop Leads to Arrests for Fentanyl Trafficking
October 15, 2024 A man and woman were arrested in Clinton for allegedly trafficking fentanyl. According to a probable cause affidavit, 47-year-old Kristi Dawn Smith of Clinton and 42-year-old Cody Pahdocony of Shawnee were taken into custody
Last Week to Request Absentee Ballots for November 5th General Election
October 15, 2024 98 The deadline to request absentee ballots by mail is approaching. Applications must be received by the County Election Board no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, October 21st.
Elk City Man Charged with Drug Possession at Beckham County Jail
October 15, 2024 88 An Elk City man was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession of marijuana in the Beckham County District Court on October 7th.
Woman Arrested in Clinton for Armed Robbery and Assault
October 15, 2024 A Clinton woman has been charged with multiple felonies following a series of violent incidents on October 5th, 2024. Angelique Nicole McLendon, 42, faces four charges: first-degree robbery, attempted robbery, and two counts of
James Patterson to Speak at SWOSU’s Fine Arts Center on Oct. 22
October 15, 2024 Bestselling author James Patterson will appear at Southwestern Oklahoma State University’s Fine Arts Center in Weatherford on Tuesday, Oct. 22, at 7 p.m. The event is co-hosted by SWOSU and the Western Plains Library
ODOT Announces Ramp Closures for I-40/US-183 Bridge Construction in Clinton
October 15, 2024 The Oklahoma Department of Transportation has provided updates for motorists near the bridge construction at Interstate 40 and U.S. Highway 183 in Clinton. Here’s the schedule for upcoming ramp closures as part of the
Mangum Man Dies After Single-Vehicle Crash Near Blair
October 15, 2024 A Mangum man has lost his life after being involved in a single-vehicle accident near Blair.
SBA Disaster News Release – SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available to Oklahoma Small Businesses
October 14, 2024 SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Small nonfarm businesses in five Oklahoma counties and neighboring counties in Texas are now eligible to apply for low interest federal disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, announced Francisco
Early Voting Begins Wednesday, October 30
October 14, 2024 Early voting begins Wednesday, October 30th, for voters in Oklahoma. Voters who will not be able to make it to the polls on Election Day have the option of voting early at their County
Premium Aerospace Center Oklahoma and STARBASE Partner to Inspire
October 11, 2024 By Landry Brewer Two Burns Flat organizations are using a Soviet jet to encourage western Oklahoma kids to look to the skies for their future.
Oklahoma Broadband Board Approves Grants to Expand High-Speed Internet to Western Oklahoma
October 11, 2024 The Oklahoma Broadband Governing Board has approved over $158 million in grants to bring reliable, affordable high-speed internet to around 28,000 homes and businesses across the state. Notably, key projects include grants awarded to
Beckham County Health Department Hosts Flu Drive in Sayre
October 10, 2024 The Beckham County Health Department will be holding a Flu Drive on Monday, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Beckham County Activity Center in Sayre, Oklahoma. This drive-thru event provides an easy
SWOSU’s Dr. Curry Receives Rural Health Leader of the Year Award
October 10, 2024 SWOSU Press Release The Rural Health Association of Oklahoma recognized Dr. Randy Curry’s work in rural health last week. Dr. Curry received the “Rural Health Lifetime Achievement” award at the Awards Reception for the
August Sales Tax Report: Mixed Results Across Western Oklahoma in 2024
October 10, 2024 Western Oklahoma cities have reported their sales tax intake for August 2024, showcasing a mix of growth and decline compared to 2023.
ODOT Approves $9 Billion in Highway Projects, Including Clinton I-40 Interchange Improvements
October 9, 2024 The Oklahoma Transportation Commission approved approximately $9 billion in highway construction and safety projects in the latest edition of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) Eight-Year Construction Work Plan.
Elk City Fire Department Promotes Fire Safety, Offers Free Smoke Detectors for Homes
October 9, 2024 It’s Fire Prevention Week across the nation, and local fire departments, including the Elk City Fire Department, have been spreading fire awareness at local elementary schools and daycares.
Drought Intensifies in Southwest Oklahoma, Raising Wildfire Concerns as Winter-Wheat Season Nears
October 8, 2024 The latest Drought Monitor shows that the driest areas of Oklahoma are concentrated in the southwest and parts of the northeast. According to the Oklahoma Mesonet Report issued Thursday, there’s a clear need for
Fatal ATV Accident Claims Life of Seiling Man in Woodward County
October 8, 2024 A tragic accident occurred on Monday, at approximately 10:30 AM, resulting in the death of an 84-year-old Seiling man. The incident took place near the intersection of South County Road 223 and East County
Cordell Chamber of Commerce to Host 37th Annual Pumpkin Festival on Saturday
October 7, 2024 Cordell, Oklahoma – The Cordell Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the return of its 37th Annual Pumpkin Festival, set for Saturday, October 12, 2024. This family-friendly event will take place from 9:00
C.J. Smith Appointed Director of Sponsored Programs at SWOSU
October 6, 2024 SWOSU Press Release Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has appointed C.J. Smith as the new Director of Sponsored Programs.
Fatal Semi Collision Claims Life in Roger Mills County
October 6, 2024 A tragic fatality collision occurred on October 5, 2024, around 12:30 p.m. at the intersection of OK-47 and N 1710 Road, approximately one mile west of Reydon in Roger Mills County.
SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans Now Available for Small Businesses in Local Counties
October 4, 2024 SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Small nonfarm businesses in Wheeler and Collingsworth counties in Texas, along with Roger Mills and Ellis counties in Oklahoma, are now eligible to apply for low-interest federal disaster loans through the
SWOSU Enrollment Increases Significantly for Fall 2024
October 4, 2024 SWOSU Press Release Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has reported a significant increase in enrollment for the fall 2024 semester, marking a 7.6% rise compared to the previous year. The current total enrollment stands
