Today’s layout of Area 51 is a monster comparing to what it used to be in the 1950s. Back then, other than two unpaved runways, the perimeter had a control tower, three hangars, a few shelters, and trailers for the staff to live in.
This glorified campsite was later added a couple more attractions to keep the live-in crew at least somewhat entertained. Among those attractions are a volleyball court and a movie theater. We wonder if the cinema only features alien films…
Change Your Name Change Your Life
Over the years, Area 51 has been experimenting with lots of different names, some better than others.
"Watertown" was one of the more mundane names, but the ones we liked best are "Paradise Ranch" and "Dreamland". Giving a military base a name befitting of a candy factory? It doesn't get better than that.
Behind Paradise Ranch
The man behind the suggested name of "Paradise Ranch" is Kelly Johnson. This man is one of the few people who were lucky enough to see the inside of Area 51. He worked as a designer on the first Area 51 projects — the Lockheed’s U-2 aircraft.
He suggested the name "Paradise Ranch" as a way of making the place sound more appealing to potential workers so they would agree to relocate and make the place what it is today. Honestly, a military base does sound a little better when you give it the name of an amusement park.
Fences — Out, Signs — In
You would think that a place with such an aura of national security would be a little more... well, secure.
As it turns out, Area 51 doesn't have any walls or security fences around its perimeter. There are plenty of signs warning you not to go any further or take any pictures, but that's about it.
The Absurdity
Just for the sake of covering the subject of conspiracy theories, here are a few of the most absurd ones we've heard about Area 51.
While you probably won't find any reptilian overlords here, some people believe that this is where the government studies alien spacecraft, controls the weather control, and develops time travel. We doubt any of it is true but we would love to hear more just to be humored.