Rosman, N.C. (WNCN) — A former Cold War-era spy station nestled in North Carolina’s picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains is now on the market. The 192-acre property, listed for $30 million, boasts a unique history and a blend of scientific assets that could appeal to potential buyers with diverse interests.
A Historic Site with a Rich Legacy
In the 1960s, NASA established a communications hub at this remote location in Rosman, N.C. The station played a pivotal role in the early days of space exploration, capturing some of the first images of Earth from space. It also served as a critical communications link for the crewed space missions of Project Gemini and Project Apollo.
However, the site’s most significant role came in 1981 when the National Security Agency (NSA) took control of the facility during the Cold War. The location, already equipped with satellites from NASA, became a vital part of the U.S. intelligence apparatus. The NSA utilized the station for surveillance, gathering signals intelligence from Soviet-controlled regions and other global hotspots. The remote and isolated nature of the facility allowed for top-secret operations, and its underground workspaces, including tunnels, still remain intact.
A Transition to Public Use
Following the end of the Cold War and the fall of the Iron Curtain, the NSA transferred the property to the U.S. Forest Service in 1995. Since 1998, the site has been home to the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (PARI), which repurposed the former spy station for astronomical observation and scientific research. The area’s clear, dark skies have made it an ideal location for stargazing and educational programs.
What’s Included in the Sale?
Now, after decades of use for research and education, the property is available for purchase. NAI Piedmont Triad, the real estate firm handling the sale, has listed the site as a whole but is open to discussing options for purchasing or leasing portions of the property. The listing details the following assets:
- 192 acres of land
- 30+ buildings totaling approximately 94,346 square feet
- Facilities include an administration center, library, dormitories, dining areas, and staff housing
- Scientific and technological resources, including over 25 optical telescopes, a planetarium, dish antennas, data centers, laboratories, and radio arrays
Future of PARI and the Site
PARI has stated that it will remain operational and continue its educational mission regardless of the outcome of the sale. The organization plans to remain “fully staffed and open for visitors, STEM education, and outreach programming,” ensuring that the public can still engage with the site’s scientific offerings. The decision to sell some or all of the property is part of an effort to provide PARI with the flexibility and resources needed to sustain its mission for the long term.
A Unique Opportunity
This site represents an extraordinary opportunity for buyers looking to acquire a historic, scientifically rich property with connections to space exploration and Cold War intelligence. Whether for continued research, commercial use, or as a unique piece of American history, the Rosman Research Station offers possibilities as vast as the skies it once observed.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
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