The Central Intelligence Agency and Overhead Reconnaissance; The U-2 and OXCART Programs, 1954-1974

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Chapter 2
are shown on current unclassified maps as a small rectangular area
adjoining the northeast comer of the much larger Nevada Test Site. To
make the new facility in the middle of nowhere sound more attractive
to his workers. Kelly Johnson called it the Paradise Ranch, which was
soon shortened to the Ranch.!•
Although the dry lakebed could have served as a landing strip.
project managers decided that a paved runway was needed so that
testing could also take place during the times when rainwater runoff
from nearby mountains filled the lake (at such times the base acquired
yet another unofficial name, Watertown Strip). By July 1955 the base
was ready, and Agency, Air Force, and Lockheed personnel began
moving in.
Area 51, the Ranch
'' OSA History, chap. 8. pp. 2-6 (TS Co,kword): John:;on, "Log for Project x:· ::?5-29
April I 955: Clarence L. "Kelly" Johnson with Maggi<! Smith. Kelly: More Thun My
Share of Ir All (Washington. DC: Smithsonian Institute Press. 1985). p. 123.
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