Ace in the Hole

International Recognition 

Located only 2 miles south of Monarch, Montana on Highway 89, this sign commemorates the efforts that took place during the late 50's and early 60's to establish crucial missile silos located in this area. Montana's low population of people and very rugged terrain makes it an ideal candidate for missile silo locations, and the Little Belts is both. During the Cuban Missile Crisis, John F. Kennedy referred to this area as the military's, "Ace in the Hole", and these silos were credited for curbing the Soviet Union from launching their own nuclear weapons. Since these silos were constructed, Malmstrom Air Force Base (near Great Falls, MT) and the MDT (Montana Department of Transportation) maintain all Minuteman missile silos located in the Little Belt Mountains.

Military Operations and Recreating in the Little Belts

Today you can often see military activity in the area. Most of these operations take are ordered from Malmstrom Air Force Base located in Great Falls, Montana. When seen in the Little Belts they are usually doing routine inspections and training. Many of the same roads used for recreation are also used to access these missile silos. The military uses these roads so DO NOT be alarmed if you see them in the Little Belts. Simply show respect and do not interfere.