Spoiler
I done some quick research into some random things and found that the X-17 Meteorological Station caused the Divide to be the Divide it is today. Was it really our courior? Apparently It was the subject of a meteorological experiment that went horribly wrong. It is these horrific meteorological activities that have ravaged the Divide.
Someone who has played the downloadable content, understands the story or anything just spoil this for me; I'm confused as it is! You can see the information yourself http://fallout.wikia.com/wiki/Hopeville.