Uncovering Cold War Relics and Hidden Ruins

Martha’s Vineyard is known for its windswept beaches, quaint villages, and summertime allure—but beneath the postcard-perfect surface lies a forgotten world of hidden military bunkers, Cold War-era relics, and eerie abandoned outposts buried in the woods. For those intrigued by off-the-beaten-path adventures and American military history, the island holds secrets waiting to be unearthed.

Forgotten Fortresses: WWII and Cold War Installations

During the 20th century, especially through World War II and the Cold War, Martha’s Vineyard played a subtle yet strategic role in American coastal defense. Though not widely publicized, the island hosted military installations designed to monitor the Atlantic and support national defense.

Aquinnah Radar Station (Cold War Outpost)

Hidden in the dense woods near Aquinnah, remnants of an old Cold War radar installation still stand, cloaked by vines and moss. This station was part of a coastal radar network developed during the 1950s to detect Soviet bombers and submarines. Though now decommissioned, the foundation slabs, rusted fencing, and concrete shells whisper of a tense, watchful era. Locals sometimes refer to it as “the listening post,” and it was reportedly connected to mainland monitoring stations via underground cabling.

Katama Airfield: From Fighter Planes to Ghost Stories

In Edgartown, Katama Airfield served as a training and emergency landing site during World War II. While the airfield is still active for private aviation, sections of the original military infrastructure—including bunkered fuel tanks and outdated hangars—have been quietly decaying just beyond the visitor-friendly perimeter. Some say pilots have spotted shadowy shapes and unexplained lights around the airfield at night, adding a paranormal twist to the island’s aviation legacy.

The Oak Bluffs Gun Emplacements

Tucked away in the wooded cliffs near East Chop in Oak Bluffs are concrete gun emplacements once used for coastal defense. These installations were meant to house large anti-ship artillery during World War II, although they were never used in combat. Now overtaken by nature, they are hard to spot unless you know exactly where to look—making them a favorite for local urban explorers and WWII history buffs.

Hidden Underground Bunkers and Shelters

Rumors swirl about secret government bunkers built during the Cold War for emergency shelter and surveillance. One often-cited location lies near the Manuel F. Correllus State Forest—an area known for strange clearings and old service roads leading to nowhere. While no official map confirms these underground structures, amateur historians and Vineyard locals share stories of emergency supplies and blast-proof doors buried under decades of overgrowth.

Was There a “Presidential Bunker”?

During the Clinton presidency, the island received extra federal attention and security, and some theorists believe a secure presidential bunker was quietly built on or near private property during the 1990s. While unverified, this legend continues to fuel ghost-hunting tours and speculative documentaries.

Abandoned Mansions and Lost Settlements

Beyond military history, the island also hosts abandoned mansions, defunct farms, and long-lost fishing villages—remnants of a time when year-round island life was less glamorous and more rugged. Some notable mentions include:

The Old Marine Hospital in Vineyard Haven – now restored as a museum, it once sat empty for decades, drawing vandals and urban explorers.

Ruins near Menemsha Hills – stone foundations of 19th-century homes can still be found if you hike deep enough.

The Ghost House of Chilmark – a half-collapsed farmhouse said to be cursed after a 1930s shipwreck.

Tips for Exploring These Hidden Gems

If you're eager to explore Martha’s Vineyard's secret past, here are some tips:

Use LIDAR and historical maps: Tools like historic topographic maps and aerial imagery can help identify old roads and structures.

Join a local tour: Some Vineyard guides now include “Hidden History” tours covering these lesser-known sites.

Respect private property: Many ruins lie near or within private land—always ask permission or stick to public trails.

Bring a flashlight and proper shoes: You may find yourself off-road, in old foundations, or exploring half-buried bunkers.

A Hidden Chapter in Vineyard History

While most visitors come to Martha’s Vineyard for beaches, seafood, and relaxation, the island’s abandoned places and secret military history offer a captivating detour into America’s hidden past. Whether you're a Cold War enthusiast, ghost story lover, or just someone who enjoys peeling back the layers of time, Martha’s Vineyard is more than just a vacation spot—it’s a forgotten battlefield of memory, secrecy, and survival.