Olney Federal Support Center, Federal underground facility in Montgomery County, Maryland.
The Olney Federal Support Center is an underground federal facility in Montgomery County featuring multiple communication systems and data network infrastructure positioned below ground level. The installation was designed to house satellite communications technology and high-frequency radio networks for operational use.
The facility opened in 1951 as a civil defense training site modeled after British bunkers from World War II. It later transitioned to serve as an operations center before changing hands in 2019.
The facility represented a shift in national priorities from military defense to emergency management, reflecting changes in governmental response strategies.
The facility is not open to visitors and access is restricted for security reasons. The surrounding area offers other attractions and outdoor activities for those exploring the region near Laytonsville.
The site was originally developed as a Nike missile base and served as a defensive installation before its conversion to current operations. This military heritage remains visible in the facility's design and infrastructure.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
