With all the mystery and controversy surrounding Area 51 here are a few facts that have come to the light of day that you might just not know. First up, during it’s construction Area 51 was called Paradise Ranch, later shortened to just ‘the ranch.’ The goal was to attract more unwitting construction workers and what the true intention of the facility would be.
The US finally acknowledged that Area 51 existed only in 2013 and claimed it as a “test facility” for aerial and surveillance technology. Any unauthorized pilot that knowingly flies through Area 51 air space faces court martial, dishonorable discharge and time in prison.