In this episode of Strange Places, the spotlight is on a hidden relic from the Cold War era nestled deep within Vermont’s wilderness – the North Concord Air Force Station. This abandoned radar base is not just a reminder of past geopolitical tensions but also a site steeped in UFO history. From its connection to Project Blue Book to the famed Betty and Barney Hill abduction case, this location offers a fascinating blend of military history and ufology.
The Cold War Context
The early 1950s were marked by intense Cold War tensions, with the United States and the Soviet Union locked in a nuclear arms race. Amidst fears of aerial invasion and nuclear missile attacks, the US established a series of early warning radar systems across remote areas of North America, including Alaska, the Arctic, and Canada. Within the continental United States, radar stations were constructed to protect strategic air bases and form a comprehensive radar defense network. One such installation was the North Concord Air Force Station, situated in a secluded part of Northern Vermont, close to the Canadian border.
Establishment of the Radar Base
Construction of the North Concord Air Force Station began in 1952, though it did not become fully operational until 1956. Perched atop East Mountain, which stands at an elevation of nearly 3,500 feet, the station offered strategic views into Canada and neighboring New Hampshire. This vantage point was ideal for detecting potential Soviet threats from the north.
UFO Sightings and Project Blue Book
During the 1950s, the term “flying saucer” became widespread, and reports of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) surged, raising concerns among government officials. Many military bases across the US, including the North Concord Air Force Station, reported UFO sightings. These incidents were meticulously cataloged by Project Blue Book, the US Air Force’s official investigation into UFOs.
Project Blue Book, which ran from 1952 to 1970, was tasked with collecting and analyzing UFO reports. Under the leadership of its first director, Edward Ruppelt, the project coined the term “unidentified flying object” or UFO. Despite the project’s initial goal of identifying potential threats, it concluded in 1970 with the assertion that UFOs did not pose a threat to national security and showed no evidence of extraterrestrial origins.
Significant UFO Incidents at North Concord
Two notable UFO incidents were recorded at the North Concord Air Force Station. The first occurred on August 4, 1960, when an airman observed a circular object with a blue tip and a white tail over the mess hall. Despite the detailed eyewitness account, Project Blue Book concluded that the sighting was likely a meteor.
The second, and perhaps more intriguing, incident took place on September 19, 1961, the same night as the infamous Betty and Barney Hill abduction. Radar operators at the base tracked a large, erratically moving object at 62,000 feet for 18 minutes. The object’s behavior, including hovering and changing course, led the Project Blue Book report to speculate it was a weather balloon. However, the description and circumstances suggest it was something far more unusual.
The Betty and Barney Hill Abduction
The Betty and Barney Hill abduction case remains one of the most famous UFO incidents in history. On the night of September 19, 1961, the couple reported seeing a light in the sky while driving through Franconia Notch, New Hampshire, which later appeared to be a craft with humanoid figures inside. They claimed to have been taken aboard the craft and examined by its occupants. This event occurred just hours after the radar sighting at North Concord, located only 34 air miles away. The proximity and timing raise intriguing questions about a possible connection between the two incidents.
Exploring the Abandoned Radar Station
Today, the North Concord Air Force Station, later renamed the Lyndonville Air Force Station, lies abandoned. Despite its derelict state, the site offers a glimpse into its past through the remaining structures and graffiti-covered ruins. Exploring the base involves a challenging hike, but the panoramic views from the top of East Mountain and the eerie remnants of the Cold War era make it a compelling destination for adventurers and history enthusiasts alike.
Legacy and Speculations
The North Concord Air Force Station stands as a testament to Cold War paranoia and the lengths to which the US military went to protect the nation. Its brief operation period, from 1956 to 1963, and subsequent abandonment reflect the rapid technological advancements of the time. The UFO sightings linked to the base add a layer of mystery and intrigue, especially when considering their potential connection to the Betty and Barney Hill abduction.
While the true nature of the UFO phenomena observed at North Concord remains a topic of debate, the site’s role in the broader narrative of UFO history is undeniable. As modern investigations into unidentified aerial phenomena continue, the legacy of Project Blue Book and the Cold War radar stations like North Concord Air Force Station provide valuable context and insights.
VIDEO: Secret UFO Base of East Mountain | Strange Places
The North Concord Air Force Station, with its rich history of Cold War defense and UFO sightings, offers a unique and fascinating story. From its strategic construction to its eerie abandonment, and the mysterious events that unfolded in its vicinity, the site encapsulates a remarkable chapter of American history. As we continue to explore and understand the complexities of UFO phenomena, places like East Mountain’s secret UFO base will remain significant landmarks in our quest for answers.
