The Missile Next Door

The Missiles Next Door explores how rural Americans across the Great Plains were involved in the Cold War by hosting Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missiles in their communities, revealing the complex intersections of politics, defense spending, and local identity. Gretchen Heefner delves into how this secretive military strategy affected residents’ senses of citizenship and their perceptions of government, illustrating ongoing regional tensions and dependencies. The book provides a nuanced look at how these historic decisions continue to shape political attitudes and community life today.