Area 51: 20 Surprising Facts You Probably Didn’t Know

The Beginning

Area 51 was originally built in the 1950s as a testing ground for the U-2 spy plane.

Location, location, location

Area 51 is located in the Nevada desert, about 80 miles northwest of Las Vegas.

A Popular Topic

Area 51 has been the subject of countless conspiracy theories for decades, contributing to its fame and intrigue.

Secret High-Tech Equipment

The top secret nature of Area 51 has allowed for the development of cutting-edge military technology, such as the stealth fighter and the Predator drone.

The Name Game

The name “Area 51” was not used until the 1950s, and it had nothing official about it: the term ‘AREA’ only meant that it was an area within what the Atomic Energy Commission considered the Nevada Test Site.

A Big Boss

The authority over Area 51 was passed from the CIA to the Air Force’s Material Command in 1972.

Employees and Staff

Although little is known about who works at Area 51, it is believed to employ thousands of people and to have the largest concentration of PhD scientists and engineers in the world.

“Fly Operated” Family Workshops

During the 1990s, spouses and children of Area 51 employees were given permission to hold craft fairs selling handmade items, raising funds for local charities.

The Black mailbox

A black mailbox outside Area 51 became a landmark for UFO enthusiasts who visited the area hoping to spot evidence of alien activity.

The Real Camouflage

Since photographing and even going near the official boundary of Area 51 is strictly prohibited, people who live in the surrounding area camouflaged their homes to blend in with the desert landscape.

Ongoing Reveals

In 2013, the CIA finally confirmed the existence of Area 51, declassifying documents which revealed, amongst other things, that it had been used as a testing ground for the development of spy planes during the Cold War.

A Popup Store, sort of

In 2019, a local entrepreneur opened an Area 51-themed store in the nearby town of Hiko.

Tourism Lure

Some estimates suggest that the tourism industry in the small towns surrounding Area 51, such as Rachel and Alamo, brought in millions of dollars in revenue in the years following the release of the Movie Independence Day in 1996.

Let Citizens Know, already!

Despite some official acknowledgement of its existence, details about Area 51, its purpose, and activities remain classified or closely guarded by the government.

Run for your Tuna-free Life!

A popular alien-themed 5k race, known as “Run for your Tuna,” takes place annually in the area surrounding Area 51, attracting participants from across the country.

The Name Zone

In recent years, Area 51 has inspired a variety of spin-off terms, such as “Area 52”, “Area S4”, and “Dreamland”.

A Road To Area51

The Extraterrestrial Highway, aka Nevada State Route 375, is a 98-mile stretch of road that leads to the iconic site of Area 51 in Roswell, New Mexico.

Extravagant Spending

Reports suggest that the US government has spent billions of dollars on maintaining and securing Area 51.

Fictional Territory

Area 51 has been a recurring setting in popular culture, appearing in films, books, and video games, such as the wildly popular series, CALL OF DUTY.

The Speeding Ticket Problem

As Nevada 375 merges into Groom Lake Road, which leads past the barrier into Area 51 were given harsh admonishments by camo-dudes, as referred to by the important personnel there, but only handed a fine for speeding. Campaigns projected onto Google Maps street view counsel against even allegedly embarking inside the buffer zone arranged out free of little more than officially stoic orange cones kept by Pentagon.

Area 51 has gained legendary status among conspiracy theorists and has become a pop culture phenomenon. Its secrets and purpose remain largely unknown, fueling the fascination and curiosity of people all over the world. Who knows what incredible discoveries and secrets it still has behind its Closed Doors- thrilling would be an understatement, but nevertheless, that is what makes Area 51 a mystery as intriguing as the deep abyss or as iconic as the Pyramids of Egypt.