This Abandoned Radar Base In Vermont Is Dangerously Creepy

During the 1950s, the Cold War had the United States and the Soviet Union stockpiling firepower and the threat of a nuclear bomb being dropped was a terrifying concern across the nation. Amidst the paranoia, the government took precautions and established an early detection site in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. East Mountain, a sprawling and very remote ridgeline was chosen to become the site for the North Concord Air Force Station. The now abandoned radar base sits on top of the mountain a shell of its former self and since its closure has proved to be a dangerous place and the site of too much tragedy.

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Google Images/Kayla Davis Construction of the radar base began in 1954, and two years and 21 million dollars later, the air station was up and running. The radar base was meant to provide information to Strategic Air Command Bases including any signs of nuclear activity. Google Images/Brock Kerr Manning the base were 174 men living in metal Quonset huts on a mid-mountain plateau. The administration site not only provided sleeping accommodations for the men but also a store, bowling alley and theater, barber shop and mess hall. Even with these amenities, serving at the North Concord Air Force Station was no picnic. Long and hard winters and a virtually impassable winding mountain road made the colder months less than enjoyable on East Mountain. Google Images/Brock Kerr The base was renamed as the Lyndonville Air Force Station in 1962 and was closed shortly thereafter in 1963. Many of the buildings were left standing and began their long process of decay. As with many abandoned places, the radar base became the center of swirling rumors and local legends that are beyond creepy. Google Images/Kayla Davis The first incident occurred before the closure of the base. In 1961, something strange was sighted in the air above East Mountain. The military reported the incident as lasting close to 18 minutes. Allegedly hours later, Barney and Betty Hill were abducted by a UFO in the Franconia Notch area of New Hampshire. Many believe these events are related. Google Images/Brock Kerr The base became privately owned in 1965 when Ed Sawyer purchased the property. He established a woodworking shop in the administration area and lived on site. A few years after the purchase of the property, a group of snowmobilers was riding in the area without permission. As they were riding up the access road, one rider ran into a chain stretched across the way as a makeshift gate and was decapitated. Soon after the base was discovered by vandals and trespassers who would loot and destroy the buildings. The property was put back on the market for sale. Google Images/Chris Maxim Over the years, the abandoned radar base has continued to deteriorate and has been put on Vermont's list of hazardous places due to soil contamination. In 1990, another death took place on the mountaintop when someone fell from the top of the radar tower. The oddly haunting military base still perches on East Mountain as a dangerously creepy reminder of a scary time during the Cold War.

Did you know about all of the tragedy surrounding this abandoned radar base? This isn’t the only eerie spot in Vermont, check out this cemetery that is home to a grave with a window.