During the 1950s, the Cold War had the United States and the Soviet Union stockpiling firepower, and the threat of a nuclear missile being launched was a terrifying concern across the nation. Amidst the paranoia, the government took precautions and established early detection sites across the country, including one within Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. East Mountain, a sprawling and very remote ridge line was chosen to become the site for the North Concord Air Force Station. The now-abandoned radar base in Vermont sits on top of the mountain, a shell of its former self, a reminder of darker times in our nation’s history. Let’s take a closer look at this fascinating hidden gem in VT:

Construction of the Vermont radar base began in 1954, and two years and 21 million dollars later, the air station was up and running.
Google Images/Kayla Davis
The radar base was meant to provide information to Strategic Air Command Bases including any signs of nuclear activity.
Manning the base were 174 men living in metal Quonset huts on a mid-mountain plateau.
Anthony M Russo/Google
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 East Mountain radar base was no picnic. Long and hard winters and a virtually impassable winding mountain road made the colder months less than enjoyable on East Mountain.
The base was renamed the Lyndonville Air Force Station in 1962 and was closed shortly thereafter in 1963.
Anthony M Russo/Google
Many of the buildings were left standing and began their long process of decay. As with many abandoned places in Vermont, the radar base became the center of swirling rumors and local legends that are beyond creepy.

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The first incident occurred before the closure of the base.
Stephen Schwind/Google
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.
The Vermont radar base became privately owned in 1965 when Ed Sawyer purchased the property.
Google Images/Brock Kerr
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.
Over the years, the abandoned radar base in Vermont has continued to deteriorate and has been put on Vermont's list of hazardous places due to soil contamination.
Anthony M Russo/Google
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.

Get a closer look at this abandoned abandoned radar base:

Did you know about all of the tragedy surrounding this abandoned radar base in Vermont? This isn’t the only eerie spot in Vermont, hit the road and check out this cemetery in VT that is home to a grave with a window! Are you familiar with any other spine-tinglingly creepy abandoned places in Vermont? Which spots throughout abandoned Vermont are you most interested in? Let us know.

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Abandoned Radar Base Vermont

Jackie Ann | June 16, 2022

Can I visit any abandoned places in Vermont?

An abandoned place to visit in Vermont is Hyde Manor.

Just like any other state, there are abandoned places in Vermont, most of them left to be reclaimed by Mother Nature. One of the most fascinating abandoned places in Vermont is Hyde Manor. Once a beautiful hotel with all the bells and whistles, it sadly fell victim to not only one but two fires which destroyed any hope of a future for this once-grand hotel, today the site sits abandoned and neglected. Take note that Hyde Manor is on private property and trespassing is not allowed, so if you plan on making the trip out there, be sure to view it safely from your car.

Are there any ghost towns in Vermont?

A ghost town in Vermont is Glastonbury.

You may have never even heard of it before, but the town of Glastonbury is one of the creepiest ghost towns in Vermont with a haunting backstory. The mountain town once thrived with over 200 residents at the end of the 19th century, but a major flood washed away important railroads and bridges in 1898 and gradually the residents picked up and moved to new towns to start over. That alone is enough to pique our interest, but that’s not where the story ends. Many people believe Glastenbury Mountain to be one of the most haunted places in Vermont. Even the local Adniak Native Americans refused to hunt on the mountain, fearing it had a dark presence. Perhaps the flood was a curse?

Are there any haunted hotels in Vermont?

A haunted hotel in Vermont is The Equinox in Manchester Village.

Whether you’re a believer in the paranormal or not, there’s one hotel that’s known to be the most haunted hotel in Vermont, and you can rent a room and do a little investigating for yourself. The Equinox in Manchester Village is surrounded by picturesque mountain views, but it’s also surrounded by the spirit of Mary Todd Lincoln, the wife of President Abraham Lincoln. She was a frequent visitor at this hotel when she was alive, and now that she’s passed, many guests and staff believe to have seen her roaming the halls, turning on the lights, and even hearing faint whispers when no one else is around. Are you brave enough to spend a night here?

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