This October 9, 1952 Aerial photo shows Groom Lake and Papoose Mountain in 1952, before Area 51 was founded at the south end of Groom Lake. The WW2 Air Field of the Army Air Corps, the predecessor of the Air Force, can be seen in this photo east of Groom Lake. Groom Lake was used as an Army Air Corps gunnery range during WW2. Photo with friendly permission by Steve Hauser.