![]() ![]() While renovating, GT decided to put in a spiral staircase to save space and it adds to the industrial ambiance. Originally, the launch control center had standard steps to reach multiple levels. My son was absolutely thrilled to learn how to use the tablet to control the lights in the room. For us, there were two, queen size beds set up for my children. GT has renovated the second level to be a multipurpose space, complete with projectors, a sound system, party lights, multiple whiteboards, and tables and chairs if needed. The steel structure needed to be able to move within the concrete silo and dome, in order to remain operational regardless of what was occurring outside. The control room space sits on level two of an internal, solid steel “birdcage” structure. ![]() Entering the next space, where the computers and control units would have been, you can still see the places on the floor where the desks with the key slots sat when it was an active site. Walking across the gangplank feels something like a sci-fi movie, and my children’s insistence on bringing Star Wars costumes was rather apropos. The silo which housed the Gemini missile is sealed off and still remains destroyed. The rental space is inside what was once the crew quarters and missile launch control center. Take the time to ask questions and hear the stories. We were joined by GT himself, who gave us an incredible tour, along with stories about the restoration effort and a few “SNAFU” moments during the massive project. Lucky for us, Nick was very knowledgeable and answered all of our questions. It’s a lot of heavy information in a short time, but worth absorbing every minute of it. From there, we watched a video all about the missile base, the history, and the long and difficult renovation. We met with Nick, one of the current hosts, who led us down the steps into the bunker. Our stay at Titan Ranch began with driving down the gravel road, leading between cow pastures, the reason for the name “ranch.” Cows looked back at us, munching away, while we wondered if we were headed to the right place. Driving up to the ranch, you would never guess that you’re headed to an underground missile silo. Titan Ranch is located in Vilonia, Arkansas, just northeast of Conway. Underground Missile Silo Nichole is pictured with her kids in the entryway of their suite at Titan Ranch. It was time-consuming and costly, but thanks to GT’s determination to recover and preserve some history, you can experience it firsthand by touring or staying the night at Titan Ranch. The process was eye-opening, and a great history lesson. The entire process of the opening, cleaning, renovation and updating is documented on his largely followed Titan Ranch YouTube channel, and I highly recommend checking it out. It has been painstakingly restored by GT Hill. Titan Ranch, located just northeast of Conway, Arkansas, is one of these nuclear missile bases. However, thanks to the ingenuity and tenacity of one person with a unique determination, one of those missile sites have been renovated into a luxury rental that you can stay in! The exterior of Titan Ranch. ![]() By 1986 these sites were all decommissioned and destroyed. They were given codes on paper, to be confirmed by the crew in place for a changeover, and the paper was burned. They would meet at the Air Force base in the morning and drive to the missile launch control silo to begin their work day. Crews of four men would work 24-hour shifts, followed by 24 hours off. They were Titan II missile silos that housed nuclear weapons on a Gemini rocket, designed to be launched into space in under one minute. What you may not know is that at one time, there were 18 ICBM (intercontinental nuclear missile) silos surrounding the Little Rock area. You may also know that it was an important location during the Cold War, a difficult time in the US and World History. You may know that there’s an Air Force base there. There’s a unique history surrounding Little Rock, Arkansas that you may not know about. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |