A Texas Man Lives 180 Feet Underground Inside a Cold War Missile Silo Near Abilene

A flooded Cold War missile silo near Abilene has a full-time resident. Steven Savage, who owns Stinky Steve’s Septic and Grease, bought Atlas F Site 578-11 about eight years ago, pumped out the standing water, and renovated the first two levels of the old living and control area. He now calls it home, even though most of the 180-foot-deep structure remains unrestored and dark.

The site is one of 12 complexes once operated by the 578th Strategic Missile Squadron at Dyess Air Force Base. It housed an SM-65F Atlas ICBM, became operational in 1962, and was placed on high alert during the Cuban Missile Crisis. The Atlas program at Dyess was deactivated in 1965, leaving these sites to sit abandoned for decades.

For listeners around Lawton and Fort Sill, the story lands somewhere between military history and unusual real estate. A reporter who toured the silo said standing inside and looking into the darkness was one of the coolest experiences he’s ever had. Would you trade daylight for a piece of Cold War history? Tell us in the comments.