Umunhum Conservancy Inc

A Silicon Valley Landmark in Jeopardy

The white tower that stands atop Mt. Umunhum is one of the most notable and historic focal points on the Silicon Valley skyline, yet many do not know the unique history of this local landmark: how it once protected the West Coast and served as home to a generation of children whose parents served America. Soon, the tower, its symbolism, and the history it represents will be lost forever – unless people like you get involved. That’s why the Umunhum Conservancy was created: to save this historic landmark for future generations.

History In Our Backyard

During the Cold War, the Almaden Air Force Station atop Mt. Umunhum defended the Bay Area from invasion by air; from 1958 to 1980 its powerful radar kept the Bay Area from harm.

The tower we see today was the base for the station’s long range search radar; an 85-ton antenna spun every 10 seconds, searching the skies for incoming threats. The people that built and ran the tower played an important role in shaping the Silicon Valley ecosystem of today.

Home On The Hill

While the radar tower is all that remains of the Air Force Station, there was once an entire town above Silicon Valley, up in the clouds. The town thrived for 22 years with all the comforts of home, including apartments, a Postal Exchange, barracks, and even a bowling alley. For the hundreds of military airmen stationed there, as well as their families and children, it was their home in the sky.

The Fight to Save Our History

Mt. Umunhum is owned by the Mid-Peninsula Regional Open Space District, which has demolished the entire Almaden Air Force Station, except the Radar Tower. Unfortunately the Tower is also in danger. If it is demolished, our local historical landmark and the history it represents will be lost forever.

Defending Our Local Historic Landmark

The goal of the Conservancy is to raise the funds necessary to preserve the radar tower atop Mt. Umunhum. The Conservancy needs to raise $1.5 million by October 2017, or else the Mid-Peninsula Regional Open Space District will demolish the Tower, and with it our beloved local historic landmark on the hill.

As of January 2016 the Conservancy has raised about 25% of our goal. Please help us preserve our local historical landmark!