Did you know that there is a former top secret government relocation facility (aka bunker) at The Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia?
History of the Greenbrier Resort
Opened in 1778, The Greenbrier – America’s Resort (formally known as the White Sulpher Spring) is located on 11,000 acres with a guest list that includes 28 U.S. Presidents, countless celebrities, sports figures, business leaders, and even royalty.
In fact, when I visited, the San Fransisco 49ers were there (yes, the entire team). I am a diehard Dallas Cowboys fan, so their being there didn’t impress me much =)
Originally, guests would come to “take the waters” at White Sulpher Spring to restore their health. It wasn’t long before prominent figures made their way to The Greenbrier to escape the summer heat and humidity.
During the Civil War, The Greenbrier was closed down and both sides used the grounds as either a military hospital or headquarters.
After the Civil War, in the early 1900’s the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway purchased the historic resort property and added The Greenbrier Hotel, a new Mineral Bath Department, and an 18-hole golf course.
In 1914, the White Sulpher Spring was renamed to The Greenbrier and was opened year around.
The U.S. Army bought and transformed the hotel into Ashford General Hospital. At this 2,000-bed medical facility, 24,148 soldiers received surgical and rehabilitation care over four years before it was reacquired by the C&O Railway.
The 1950s is where The Greenbrier’s history gets fascinating. The U.S. government asked the Greenbrier to construct an Emergency Relocation Center, known as Project Greek Island.
For a more in-depth history, see their website.
Staying at The Greenbrier
Want to feel like a celebrity for a night, you can book a room and at the time of publication, the cheapest room I could find was $408 a night (before all the added fees and taxes). They also have a dress code, just FYI.
The Greenbrier does offer over 55 different activities, and has its own retail shopping center, casino, restaurants, world-class golf course, spa, and what seems to be a million other amenities. It’s like its own little city.
Touring the Greenbier
Can’t afford to stay a night? No worries, you can do a self-guided tour, eat in their restaurants, and spend money in their shops. No reservation required =). See pictures from my visit below.
Greenbrier Photo Gallery
I had such a wonderful time capturing these images. The inside of The Greenbrier is just absolutely stunning. It was like stepping back in time. Everything is just so elegant. You can quickly tell why it is so popular with celebrities and the rich & famous.
Project Greek Island – The Bunker
It was so fascinating to be able to tour Project Greek Island. I wish I had photos to show you, but you are forced to put ALL of your belongings in lockers before the tour starts (yes, you even have to empty your pockets).
The only picture you can take is of the Blast door, a large steel and concrete door designed to withstand a modest nuclear blast from 15-30 miles away. If you look closely at the wall next to the door, there is a picture showing what it looks like when they would conceal it back in the day. You would never know there was a massive bunker door hiding there.
History of “The Bunker”
Project Greek Island was created for Congress to use as a safe haven during war and was built as an underground facility. The West Virginia Wing, an above-ground addition, was also constructed alongside the bunker to hide the construction.
It took three years to build The Bunker under the Eisenhower Administration and once completed it was maintained in a constant state of readiness by a small cadre of government employees who worked undercover for 30 years until 1992 when the project was terminated and the bunker decommissioned due to exposure by a Washington Post story.
Bunker Tour Information
Reservations are required and tours last approximately 90 minutes (oh and it is WELL WORTH IT!). You get to visit almost all areas of the Bunker as your tour guide gives you a very in-depth history lesson. I am not going to go into everything here, because you really need to experience it yourself. But, some of the areas you get to explore are the west tunnel entrance, power plant, communications briefing room, dormitories, dispensary/clinic, cafeteria/kitchen, and exhibit hall/meeting rooms.
Pricing
Adults: $40 per person
Youth (10-18): $20 per youth (children under 10 are not allowed)
Know Before You Go
- Maximum tour size is 25 persons.
- No one under the age of 10 is permitted.
- No cameras, electronic equipment, cell phones, items of concealment such as backpacks, tote bags, purses, etc., or weapons are permitted. They do have shared lockers you can store your belongings in and by shared, I mean you have to share the locker with others in the group who may not be in your party.
- While there is a dress code for those staying at the hotel, the tour has no dress code. Comfortable shoes are recommended. If you plan on doing any other activities at the resort you will need to check the dress code for that specific activity.
Click here for more information and reservations or call (855) 453-4858.
Have you been to The Greenbrier and visited The Bunker? Leave a comment below and let me know what you think!
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