In an unusual twist of fate, a police department in Washington state found themselves facing an intriguing discovery: a Cold War-era missile nestled within the confines of a local garage. The curious sequence of events unfolded when a concerned citizen reached out to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton, Ohio, offering to donate a peculiar item left behind by his deceased neighbor.

Upon receiving this unexpected tip-off, Bellevue Police promptly mobilized their bomb squad to investigate the matter. What they unearthed was a relic from a bygone era: a Douglas AIR-2 Genie missile, a significant component of the United States’ Cold War defense strategy. “The Douglas AIR-2 Genie was a pivotal weapon during the Cold War, designed to intercept Soviet strategic bombers,” said Seth Tyler, a spokesperson for the Bellevue Police Department. ”

It represented a formidable deterrent during a period of heightened geopolitical tensions.”

With more than 3,000 units manufactured, the Genie missile symbolized the technological prowess and military might of its time. Armed with a nuclear warhead, it stood as a potent deterrent against potential adversaries. Despite its foreboding origins, the missile discovered in the garage posed no immediate danger, due to it not having a nuclear payload and rocket fuel. “We confirmed that the missile was inert and did not pose a threat to public safety,” Tyler said.

The missile was found to be a Douglas AIR-2 Genie, previously known as an MB-1. Photo by Bellevue Police Department

Further investigation revealed that the missile had changed hands at an estate sale following the passing of its original owner. Authorities, however, were unable to locate any surviving relatives of the deceased. “The military has not requested the return of the object,” Tyler said.

Given its historical significance and lack of danger, we have decided to restore the missile for eventual display in a museum.”

As the Douglas AIR-2 Genie missile embarks on its journey from forgotten relic to museum exhibit, it serves as a poignant reminder of a tumultuous chapter in history. “Encounters with Cold War artifacts like this are rare,” Tyler said. “It’s a tangible link to a period defined by geopolitical tensions and technological innovation.”

A similar AIR-2 Genie rocket, complete with a replica nuclear warhead. Photo by Bellevue Police Department

Indeed, the unexpected discovery of the missile underscores the enduring legacy of the Cold War era. As it finds its place among the annals of history, the Genie missile offers a sobering glimpse into a time marked by the specter of nuclear conflict and the relentless pursuit of military superiority. Watch below for a look at this explosive find!

Sources: People | Smithsonian Mag