Nestled in the remote plains of Divide County, North Dakota, the remnants of Fortuna Air Force Station stand as a testament to Cold War-era vigilance and the passage of time. Once a critical component of the United States' air defense network, this abandoned radar facility now offers a haunting glimpse into a bygone era.
A Strategic Outpost in the Cold War
Established in 1952, Fortuna Air Force Station was part of the Air Defense Command's network of radar sites designed to detect and intercept potential aerial threats during the Cold War. Located approximately 4.2 miles west of Fortuna, North Dakota, and just 6.6 miles from the Canadian border, its strategic position made it a vital asset in monitoring airspace for hostile aircraft approaching from the north.
The facility began operations with the 780th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron. Over the years, the station's radar capabilities were upgraded, and in 1961, it became part of the Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) system, enhancing its ability to process and respond to airspace threats. By 1966, Fortuna AFS had been integrated into the Backup Interceptor Control (BUIC) system, providing a manual backup to the automated SAGE system in case of failure.
Life at the Station
During its peak, Fortuna AFS was a self-contained community. The base featured 45 houses, three dormitories, a gymnasium, a two-lane bowling alley, tennis courts, a dining hall, a medical aid station, and even an Officer's Lounge known as the "Hilltop Inn." These amenities supported the personnel stationed there and their families, fostering a tight-knit community in the otherwise sparsely populated region.
Decline and Abandonment
As the Cold War tensions eased and technology advanced, the need for such extensive radar facilities diminished. Fortuna AFS was deactivated in 1979, and its radar operations ceased in 1984. The site was eventually sold to private investors, who stripped valuable materials before abandoning the property. In the years that followed, the once-thriving base fell victim to vandalism and neglect. By 2015, most structures had been demolished, leaving behind only the concrete radar tower.
The Tower's Second Life
Despite the widespread demolition, the main radar tower at Fortuna AFS has found a new purpose. Repurposed as a communications hub, it now hosts antennas for rural wireless internet and cell phone coverage. Inside, small server units occupy what was once a vast space designed to house massive Cold War-era computers.
Visiting the Site
Alicia grew up near the border and recalls driving past the base on trips to the States. Her parents' friends even got married at the site after it was closed as a military base. She continued to drive by years later, but never had time to explore the site. Assuming it was always going to be there, she was not concerned. Finally, in 2014, we decided to explore the site together, not knowing that in 2015 it would be demolished. Most of the buildings were gutted and vandalized, but it was all still standing, and you could tell what each building was for.
Legacy and Reflection
Fortuna Air Force Station's story is one of transformation—from a bustling military outpost to an abandoned relic of the past. Its evolution mirrors the broader shifts in global politics and technological advancements. Today, you can drive by and see the single radar tower still standing. If you have a drone, you can likely still see all the roads still in place.
