In September 2019, Google Maps jumped on the internet joke calling on people to storm Area 51. No, Google didn’t encourage people to threaten national security, but it did add a little easter egg.
Those who tried to find Area 51 on Google Maps’ satellite view, were surprised to see that the cursor hovering over the place has turned from an arrow into an itty-bitty spaceship!
The Makeover
1959's Project OXCART met different conditions than it's predecessor, the Lockheed A-12. Among other things, the OXCART was meant to test the Lockheed A-12 aircraft and train with it. It was made possible thanks to a new and improved 8,500-foot runway.
Before this new runway was introduced, the base had runways that were unpaved and thousands of feet shorter. Talk about an extreme makeover!
The 1961 Renovations
In 1961, the Area 51 perimeter went through extensive renovations. Many of the old buildings were replaced or repurposed, and some new buildings were added to the party.
The facility was also introduced to three surplus Navy hangars and a reservoir pond surrounded with trees. The staff housing was upgraded from a handful of trailers to 130 Babbitt duplexes. How luxurious!
The Stephen King Angle
Among the many films inspired by Area 51, there is an old TV movie called "Trucks". The film is based on one of Stephen King's short stories and features aliens. Obviously.
The aliens in the story land in the deserts of Nevada and threaten mankind by turning all of their cars into blood-thirsty monsters. Sounds like a cinematic masterpiece.
Growing Bigger
Area 51 has come a long way since it was first established way back in the 1940s. What started as a gravel field with an airplane or two, is now so much more than that.
The most expansive additions and renovation projects happened in 1983, 1995, and 2015. As of the next project planned — we could tell you but then we would have to kill you.