Exploring the Abandoned Air Force Base at East Haven, Vermont

The North Concord Radar Station, also known as the Lyndonville Air Force Station, is a fascinating piece of Vermont history! It's a relic of the Cold War, perched atop East Mountain in East Haven, and its story is one of technological innovation, defense preparedness, and eventual abandonment.

The abandoned North Concord Radar Station, Air Force base located high in the hills of East Haven, VT has always been an intriguing location. The base became operational in 1956 and was renamed the Lyndonville AFS in 1962. This once highly guarded military installation was built in the 1950s to detect and track potential Soviet threats in the Northeast region of the United States.

North Concord Air Force Station

Construction began in 1952, but delays pushed its opening to 1956. Originally called the East Haven Radar Station, it was renamed the North Concord Air Force Station upon activation. It housed the 911th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron, responsible for tracking potential Soviet threats in the northeast.

A Cold War Relic Luring Adventurers

High atop East Mountain in the sleepy town of East Haven, Vermont, lies a relic of the Cold War: the North Concord Radar Station, also known as the Lyndonville Air Force Station. Equipped with powerful radars, the station scanned the skies for enemy aircraft for six years. Once a vigilant sentinel guarding against Soviet bombers, it now stands as a decaying testament to a bygone era, attracting a new generation of explorers drawn to its chilling atmosphere and enigmatic past.

Air Force Station Closure and Aftermath

Advancements in technology ultimately rendered the station obsolete. It closed in 1963, leaving behind a collection of now-decaying buildings. The site remains private property and, due to environmental concerns, is considered hazardous. Despite its closed status, the abandoned station attracts urban explorers and history buffs.

Its eerie atmosphere and historical significance make it a popular destination for those seeking a glimpse into Vermont's Cold War past. The station's closure sparked concerns about environmental contamination from leaking fuel and other hazardous materials. Locals have mixed feelings about the abandoned base, with some viewing it as a historical landmark and others expressing concerns about safety and trespassing.

The Allure of the Abandoned Air Force Base

For urban explorers and history buffs, the North Concord Radar Station holds an undeniable fascination. The skeletal remains of its radar towers, barracks, and administrative buildings stand stark against the rugged Vermont landscape, whispering tales of Cold War tensions and technological marvels. It's a tangible connection to a time when every blip on a radar screen could trigger anxieties of nuclear Armageddon.

But beyond the historical intrigue, there's an undeniable thrill in venturing into the unknown. The isolation of the mountaintop, the crumbling structures overgrown with vegetation, and the ever-present whispers of the wind all contribute to an atmosphere of eerie excitement. It's a place where imagination runs wild, fueled by tales of UFO sightings and Cold War secrets.

A Brush with Danger

However, venturing into the North Concord Radar Station is not for the faint of heart. The site remains private property, and trespassing is strictly prohibited. The decaying buildings pose obvious physical dangers, with crumbling concrete, rusted metal, and unstable structures waiting to claim the unwary.

But the more insidious threat lies beneath the surface. Decades of fuel leaks and improper waste disposal have left the area contaminated with environmental hazards. Asbestos in the buildings, lead paint peeling from the walls, and residual fuel in the ground all pose serious health risks for anyone who dares to explore.

A Popular Destination for Urban Explorers

Despite its strategic importance during the height of the Cold War, the North Concord Radar Station was eventually abandoned and left to decay in the late 1980s. Since then, it has become a popular destination for urban explorers and curious visitors, intrigued by its haunting ruins and eerie atmosphere.

The site is now a popular destination for urban explorers, who are drawn to the site's haunting ruins and eerie atmosphere. Exploring the site can be dangerous, as the buildings and structures are in a state of decay and could potentially collapse.

What Makes the Abandoned Air Force Base at East Haven, Vermont Intriguing?

The abandoned air force base at East Haven, Vermont is one of the most intriguing abandoned places in vermont. Once a bustling military installation, it now lies deserted, beckoning curious souls to explore its decaying buildings and forgotten history. Stepping foot on its grounds evokes a sense of mystery and nostalgia, making it a must-visit for urban explorers and history enthusiasts alike.

UFO Sightings and X-Files in The White Mountains

Adding to the station's mystique is its connection to one of the most famous UFO sightings in American history. In 1961, just hours before the reported abduction of Barney and Betty Hill in New Hampshire, the North Concord Radar Station tracked an unidentified object on its screens for 18 minutes. The details of the sighting remain shrouded in mystery, fueling speculation and theories about extraterrestrial visitors.

While the connection to the Hill abduction may be purely coincidental, it has undoubtedly cemented the North Concord Radar Station's place in the annals of UFO lore. For some, it adds another layer of intrigue to the already-fascinating abandoned site, a reminder that even in the quiet hills of Vermont, the universe might hold secrets beyond our comprehension.

The former base is located on a 17 acre parcel of land which could have literally been the top of a mountain peak, leveled to create the Station and it's surrounding buildings. The base camp was located a few miles below on a 30 acres parcel.

Deaths at the Radar Base

In 1969, four years after the base was purchased by the late Ed Sawyer of East Burke, snowmobilers were using the property without permission when one of the snowmobilers hit a chain slung across the road and was decapitated.

About 23 years ago, someone roaming the property died in a fall from one of the buildings.

There have also been a number of shootings there. It's as though the Cold War mentality that surrounded the base's hurried construction continues to bring out the worst in people. “Something changes when you get up here” said Ed Sawyer, who was a former owner of the property that he purchased from the federal government in 1965 for $41,500.

What are the Dangers of Exploring Abandoned Places like the East Haven Air Force Base?

Exploring abandoned places like the East Haven Air Force Base can pose significant risks for several top reasons burlington not vermont. These include structural instability, exposure to hazardous materials, and the potential for encountering dangerous wildlife or individuals. It's essential to prioritize safety and respect the restricted nature of these sites.

The Future of the Abandoned Sentinel

The future of the North Concord Radar Station remains uncertain. The environmental hazards have made it a costly and complex cleanup project, with no clear plan for its future. Some advocate for its preservation as a historical landmark, while others prioritize the safety of the surrounding community and environment.

Regardless of its eventual fate, the North Concord Radar Station will continue to stand as a silent sentinel, a reminder of a time when the world teetered on the brink of nuclear war and the skies held the promise of both unimaginable danger and cosmic wonders. For those who dare to venture into its decaying halls, it offers a glimpse into a forgotten chapter of history, where Cold War tensions met the allure of the unknown, and the line between fact and fiction remains tantalizingly blurry.

Remember, while the allure of the North Concord Radar Station is undeniable, it's crucial to prioritize safety and respect for private property. Exploring abandoned sites like this should only be done with proper research, preparation, and respect for the potential dangers involved. The thrill of discovery should never come at the cost of personal safety or environmental responsibility.

So, the next time you find yourself drawn to the enigmatic charm of the North Concord Radar Station, remember its chilling history and the dangers that lurk beneath its crumbling façade. Approach it with respect, caution, and a healthy dose of curiosity, and let its echoes of the Cold War and whispers of the unknown paint their own tale in your imagination.

More remarkable photos and a journey to the East Haven Radar Base here. Courtesy of Obscure Vermont.

Updated 1/1/2023

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