Titan Missile Museum

Useful Information

Location:	Green Valley, about 20 miles south of Tucson. I-19 south, exit 69 Duval Mine Road, head west, coss South La Cañada Drive, turn right. I-10 exit 267 on Valencia Road south,
Open:	MAY to OCT Wed-Sun 9-17, last tour 16. NOV to APR daily 9-17, last tour 16. Closed Thanksgiving, 25-DEC. [2005]
Fee:	Adults USD 8.50, Children (7-12) USD 5, Seniors (62+) USD 7.50, Military USD 7.50, under 7 free. Groups (20+): Adults USD 7.50. [2005]
Classification:	Secret Bunker
Light:	Incandescent
Dimension:
Guided tours:	D=60 min.
Photography:
Accessibility:
Bibliography:
Address:	Titan Missile Museum, 1580 W. Duval Mine Road, Sahuarita, AZ, Tel: +1-520-625-7736.
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

1963	base operational.
1982	base closed as a result of the SALT Treaty.
1987	last Titan II silo decommissioned.

Description

The Titan Missile Museum is located at one of 54 Titan II intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) sites in the United States. It is the only one of the sites left intact, housing a Titan II and the equipment to launch it. Obviously the weaponry itself was removed by the U.S. Army, and only shells remain, but the impression is the same. This was one of the most dangerous and strangest places during the Cold War.

The huge Titan II intercontinental ballistic missile has been America’s premier Cold War weapon for about 20 years. It is 33.5 m high and weighed 170 tons when it was fueled and ready to fly. The missiles had a nuclear warhead of over one megaton, but the exact amount is still classified. They were ready to launch within one minute of receiving the command to do so. Intended as a retaliatory deterrent, the idea was to fire them only in response to a Soviet first strike.

The tour starts with a video about the history of the Titan. Next stop is the control room which is hardened to withstand anything but a direct hit. Essential equipment is mounted on springs. Finally the missile silo is enterd through 6,000 pound blast doors.