Property Survey and Evaluation of Cold War Properties at McGuire Air Force Base

Summary

The United States Air Force (USAF), Headquarters, Air Mobility Command (AMC), has conducted real property surveys and evaluations at selected installations throughout the continental United States to identify potentially significant Cold War buildings and structures. The immediate goal of the study is to provide the baseline information required for compliance with Section 110 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and for the completion of Cultural Resources Management Plans (CRMPs). A future goal is to assist in compliance with Section 106 of the NHPA as proposed actions warrant.

The base did have missions which did play exceptional roles in the Cold War period through its involvement in the air defense of the continental United States. Under the Air Defense Command, McGuire was selected as the first priority in establishing the revolutionary Semi Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) system, where emerging Cold War computer technology was enlisted to enhance the early detection of intruders and coordinate (through computer and voice links) an effective military and civilian response through its network of combat and direction centers.

Only two groups of structures are currently of exceptional importance for properties less than fifty years of age; the SAGE complex (operational 1958-1968) consisting of buildings 1907-9 and the BOMARC missile site (operational 1959-1972), five miles south of New Egypt, NJ. These are not only outstanding examples of America’s investment in high-technology for defense, but are both first (first operational SAGE direction center and the first operational BOMARC site), one-of-a-kind properties that retain a very high degree of integrity. They represent the Cold War theme of technology in the highest order. The NJSHPO has concurred both the air defense component BOMARC missile site and the Sage complex are eligible for the NRHP. No other Cold War era structures have been found NRHP eligible to date. This report concurs on the eligibility of the SAGE and BOMARC facilities.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• McGuire Air Force Base Archaeology and Cultural Resources Archive

Keywords

Temporal Coverage

Calendar Date: 1945 to 1975

Spatial Coverage

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Air Force Base

Contributor(s): Karen J. Weitze; Diane Williams; Geo-Marine, Inc.

File Information