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The U.S. Army built a network of 14 Nike missile sites in New Jersey during the 1950s to intercept Soviet bombers targeting New York and Philadelphia. At their peak, these sites utilized Nike Ajax and upgraded Nike Hercules missiles with ranges of 25 to 90 miles.

The sites were deactivated by 1974 as military focus shifted to intercontinental ballistic missiles and satellite surveillance. Many locations have been repurposed: Sandy Hook remains preserved for public tours, while others are used for residential and commercial purposes. Environmental monitoring continues at some former sites.