Massachusetts played an important role during the Cold War. Radar installations, communications bunkers, and emergency operations centers once dotted the state. By 1966 there were more than 6,600 fallout shelters across Massachusetts, reflecting the seriousness of the era. The concept for the Missile Mystery race was inspired by historian Josh Shanley’s book “Cold War – Massachusetts.” His research highlights how deeply the Cold War shaped the region. The Epic Willys Mini-Race (EWMR) brings that history to life through exploration and storytelling. The American Heritage Museum, event partner and host organization, preserves many artifacts from the era. The Missile Mystery took the vintage Jeep teams exploring sites connected to Cold War history. From hardened bunkers to radar stations and former missile infrastructure, racers discovered remnants of a time when the region played a crucial role in national defense.