Sandy Hook in Middletown Township in Monmouth County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Guardian Park Picnic Area
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Guardian Park Missiles
Guardian Park Memorial was established by the US Army as they prepared to deactivate Fort Hancock. It is named for the Army's anti-aircraft guns, Nike Air Defense Missiles, which were the last "guardians" of the New York Metropolitan Area from 1950 to 1974.
The granite monument was originally located at the Missile Launch Area in Middletown, New Jersey where eight Nike Ajax Missiles accidentally exploded in 1958. The Middletown missile site closed in 1963, and the monument was then moved to the Army Highlands Air Defense Site in Highlands, New Jersey. With the closing of the Air Defense System nationwide and the deactivation of the Highlands Air Defense Site in 1974, the Army decided to move the monument to Guardian Park since it would be open to the public as part of Gateway National Recreation Area.
The Guardian Park picnic area is the only place at Sandy Hook where grilling and cooking are permitted. Picnic tables and grills are provided. Picnic shelters are available on a first come first served basis.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • War, Cold. A significant historical year for this entry is 1950.
Location.
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Guns of Sandy Hook (a few steps from this marker); Nike-Ajax (within shouting distance of this marker); Nike-Hercules (within shouting distance of this marker); Nike Ajax Explosion Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Sandy Hook (within shouting distance of this marker); Discover Sandy Hook (within shouting distance of this marker); The Dead House (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hospital Steward’s Quarters (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Middletown Township.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 18, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 224 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 18, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
