Do YOU know what this strange tower is? Only real San Joseans will get it
For years, a strange tower has stood in the distance in San Jose. Specifically, this tower is located on Mount Umunhum and can be seen afar from miles. Over the years, many people have speculated as to what it is – but surprisingly, not many people are aware of what it actually is. Usually in scenarios like this, it turns out to be pretty mundane. However, in this case, the origin of the Mount Umunhum tower is actually pretty cool and is well worthy of its mythical status.
Some of the theories range from an abandoned house, to some kind of paranormal site. These are all wrong. Instead, it’s a Cold War-era radar tower that closed back in 1980. More recently, it was re-opened for public use after years of being closed to the public. This didn’t stop some people from venturing into it though and at times, it was used for urban exploring.
Ironically, despite being from the Soviet-era, it actually looks straight out of Russia due to its brutalist architecture, as opposed to being on US soil. You can now drive there and go inside. In fact, it’s quite a nice place to visit due to its steep location, meaning that it has unmatched scenic views of San Jose.
Back in the 1960s, this place was very busy and locals from the era have even claimed that it would sometimes intercept or cut-off radio signals due to the power of the radar. Although these claims aren’t confirmed, it’s not beyond the realms of possibility given the context of the time. So, if ever you want an unusual day out in San Jose, then check out the cold war Mount Umunhum radar tower!
It is the base for a large radar send/receive dish and was part of the military’s ARADCOM defenses. I worked with ARADCOM and was stationed at Selfridge AFB in the early 70’s. We worked within 300 yards of an exact duplicate of the concrete radar tower and dish. When the dish rotated past our position, it would interfere with any TV or radio with a distinct buzz. It’s power was classified but it was very powerful. They have all been replaced by newer technology and satellites.
Indeed! After rotating off active duty, I drilled with a Navy Reserve unit at Selfridge. Heading to the front gate, I’d get the “buzz” on every rotation. The antenna is gone… but the building, looking just like the one in San Jose, remains.
Back in the 60’s 70’s and early 80’s all you would see coming inand out of the area skies were the Navy sub-chaser flying into Lockheed Naval Air Station / NASA Ames Research Center. The tower on the hill was a big part of the air defense system that was used to protect the country from enemy threats during the Cold War. I do remember seeing the building as a young kid back in the day. Not to many people really realize how much the technology developed in the early days has become a big part of our day to day lives. Wonderful memories of a very special place in time for a true Northern California native who has seen a thing or two.