A Cultural Resources Assessment Survey of Launch Complex 16 (8BR2321), Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Brevard County, Florida

Summary

Launch Complex 16 (LC-16) has never been adequately assessed to determine if the complex and the individual facilities within are eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The Cultural Resources manager (CRM) of the Civil Engineering Squadron/Installation Management and Environmental Element (CES/CEIE), 45th Space Wing (45 SW) conducted a historic properties survey in October and November 2014 to determine if the complex and its individual buildings and structures were eligible for listing in the NRHP. Launch Complex 16 (LC-16) (8BR2321) has a long history of use for several launch programs. First it was used for the Titan I and II ICBM programs. It then was used as the location of a trailer to suit up Gemini astronauts who launched from the adjacent LC-19. NASA also used LC-16 as the site to test the Apollo SM engines. None of the programs lasted more than 2 to 3 years. The longest use of LC-16 was as the testing and training site for Pershing IA and II IRBMs (1974 to 1988). Launch Complex 16 is eligible under Criterion A for its association with the Gemini and Apollo manned launch programs as well as the Titan I and II ICBM and Pershing IRBM programs associated with our nation’s defense during the Cold War. It was also used for testing Apollo SM engines. Under Criterion B the complex is associated with the original Mercury 7 and Gemini astronauts of which, several went to the moon aboard Apollo. However, the association was rather short-lived. Launch Complex 16 does meet the requirements for Criterion C. under Engineering and Architecture. It is also eligible for its potential to yield any valuable information as cited in Criterion D.

Keywords

Spatial Coverage

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Cape Canaveral Space Force Station CRM Manager

File Information