Highlands Army Air Defense Site

The Highlands Army Air Defense Site was a military installation with multiple radar systems designed to detect and track aircraft in the Middletown Township area. The facility featured underground bunkers and towers that formed an extensive surveillance network.

The installation was built in 1958 as part of the broader Nike missile defense network protecting the northeastern United States. It served as a central tracking facility during the height of Cold War aviation surveillance efforts.

The site coordinated tracking operations that were visible through the prominent radar towers rising from the landscape. For residents nearby, it represented Cold War security measures that shaped the local environment.

Access to the site is restricted since it remains under military control and protection. Visitors interested in Cold War history should inquire about any public access programs or guided tours offered by local historical organizations.

The facility pioneered the use of an advanced command coordination system that linked multiple defense sites together for the first time. This technology allowed operators to manage air defense across an entire region from a single location.

Location: New York City

GPS coordinates: 40.39460,-74.08530

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:23