The Greenbrier Bunker: A Cold War Secret in West Virginia

Nestled in the picturesque Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia, The Greenbrier resort is renowned for its luxury and historical significance. However, hidden beneath its grand exterior lies a relic of the Cold War era: the Greenbrier Bunker. This massive underground facility was constructed to house the United States Congress in the event of a nuclear attack, remaining a closely guarded secret for over three decades until its existence was revealed in 1992.

The Birth of a Secret Project

In the mid-1950s, as tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union escalated, President Dwight D. Eisenhower ordered the creation of emergency plans to ensure the continuity of government in the event of a nuclear strike. The Army Corps of Engineers selected The Greenbrier, a luxury resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, as the site for a congressional bunker. The resort's location was ideal: close enough to Washington, D.C., to be accessible, yet far enough to be safe from a direct nuclear hit.

Construction on the bunker began in 1957 under the guise of building a new wing for the hotel. Locals and construction workers noticed the unusually large amounts of concrete being used and the extensive underground facilities being built, but the true purpose of the project remained classified. The bunker, completed in 1962, was codenamed Project Greek Island.

Inside the Bunker

The Greenbrier Bunker is a two-level, 112,544-square-foot facility buried 720 feet underground. While it would not survive a direct hit, it was designed to withstand a nuclear blast 15-30 miles away and protect its occupants from fallout. The bunker features four massive doors, with the largest weighing 28 tons, capable of sealing off the facility.

The interior of the bunker is a testament to Cold War-era preparations. It includes fully equipped dormitories, meeting rooms, decontamination chambers, a kitchen, a cafeteria, and even a small hospital. The bunker was designed to house all 535 members of Congress, along with support staff, for an extended period. The facility also boasted extensive communication systems, including television and radio broadcasting equipment, to ensure that government operations could continue and messages could be transmitted to the American public.

Maintaining the Secret

For over 30 years, the existence of the bunker was kept secret, with only a select few government officials aware of its true purpose. The bunker was maintained by a group of government employees who posed as a television repair company called Forsythe Associates. These employees ensured that the bunker was always ready for use, with supplies and equipment regularly updated.

The secrecy surrounding the bunker was so strict that even members of Congress were largely unaware of its existence. Only the highest-ranking officials were briefed on the evacuation plans, and the logistics of transporting all members of Congress to the bunker in the event of a nuclear threat remained somewhat unclear.

The Revelation and Aftermath

The bunker remained a secret until 1992, when Washington Post reporter Ted Gup exposed its existence in an article titled "The Ultimate Congressional Hideaway." The revelation led to the immediate decommissioning of the facility, as its secure location was no longer a secret. Some criticized the exposure, arguing it compromised national security, while others believed the bunker had become obsolete given the advancements in missile technology and reduced warning times for nuclear attacks.

The Bunker Today

Today, The Greenbrier Bunker is a fascinating historical site that offers a unique glimpse into Cold War-era America. The resort began offering tours of the bunker to its guests in 1995, and in 2006, the tours were opened to the general public. Visitors can explore the facility and learn about its construction, maintenance, and the secrecy that surrounded it for decades.

The tours provide an eye-opening experience, showcasing the stark contrast between the luxurious accommodations of The Greenbrier resort and the utilitarian design of the underground bunker. From the metal bunk beds and decontamination chambers to the congressional meeting rooms and communication facilities, the tour reveals the lengths to which the U.S. government went to ensure the continuity of government during a time of heightened nuclear threat.

The Greenbrier Bunker is more than just a historical curiosity; it is a symbol of a bygone era marked by fear and uncertainty. Its story is a reminder of the Cold War's impact on American society and the measures taken to protect the nation's leaders. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply curious about this hidden chapter of American history, a visit to The Greenbrier Bunker offers a captivating journey into the past.

To learn more and experience the history firsthand, you can book a tour of the bunker through The Greenbrier resort. Tours last 90 minutes and provide an in-depth look at this once top-secret facility. Remember, no cameras are allowed inside, so you'll have to rely on your memories and the vivid stories shared by your tour guide.