Ever wondered what the plan was during the Cold War for members of Congress if the war had gotten hot? The Apalappician state of West Virginia is home to one of the United State's oldest and most historic resorts - The Greenbrier. At this massive estate (where some 26 presidents have frequented) is the formerly top-secret Congressional Fallout Shelter - aka The Bunker.

This was the doomsday survival shelter for the members of Congress. Many people today continue to make private plans for themselves to survive an apocalypse. One can rent out a luxury survival shelter at Vivos xPoint in South Datoka - the largest luxury survival shelter.

Background of The Congressional Fallout Shelter

The Congressional Fallout Shelter is carved deep into the mountainside underneath the Greenbrier's West Virginia Wing. It was here that the members of Congress would have sought shelter in the event of a disaster.

The story of this top-secret bunker began in the 1950s as the Cold War was heating up. Construction began in 1958 and the bunker was completed in 1961. The bunker was built 720 feet in the hillside under the Greenbrier's West Virginia Wing.

Every one of the 1,100 bunk beds was assigned to someone. And the air-intake system was so intricate that it was built to filter out radiation.

  • Completed: In 1961
  • Size: 112,544 Square Feet
  • Active: For Over 30 Years

Through the Cold War, it was maintained in a state of constant readiness by government employees working undercover as Forsythe Associates (a company hired by the resort for audio and visual support services according to The Greenbrier website.

The Bunker had:

  • Entrances: Four - One from The Greenbrier's Main Building and Three From The Grounds
  • Accommodation: Capacity for Over 1,100 People In 18 Dormitories
  • Other: Decontamination Chambers, A Clinic, A Laboratory, a Pharmacy, A Cafeteria, A Power Plant With Purification Equipment

Exposure Of The Bunkers

But top-secret bunkers are only top secret for as long as they are, well, secret. In 1992 The Washington Post exposed the existence of the facility. The Cold War was already over and the cat was now out of the bag and so the US government began de-commissioning the bunker. A lease agreement was reached with The Greenbrier in 1995.

One of the things that gave it away was the fact that there was a 7,000-foot landing strip servicing a town of only around 3,000 - that seemed a bit overkill and suspect.

The Washingon Post Article:

  • Date: May 31, 1992
  • Title: The Last Resort
  • Author: Investigative Reporter, Ted Gup

The NPR states of the Bunker

"The story of how the bunker was kept secret for 30 years and how it even got here is stranger than any conspiracy theory. For one thing, it was built as an addition to one of America's most famous luxury resorts, the Greenbrier Resort in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains."

For decades government advisers, industrialists, and other wealthy people all came and stated at the resort blissfully unware of the top-secret installation beneath their feet.

Related: What We Know About Area 51 And What We'd Like To Know If We Could Visit

The Bunker Is Open For Tours Today

Today the bunker is declassified and is open for tours. It is a must-see experience for anyone staying - or visiting - The Greenbrier. The Greenbrier is full of history and is much more than just an alpine hot springs resort.

The Greenbrier offers their Bunker Tours of the old fallout shelters that provide an in-depth look behind the hidden doors.

  • Duration: Around 90 Minutes
  • Age Limit: Guests 10 Years Old and Over
  • Max Tour Size: 25 People
  • Location: Tour Depart From The Trellis Lobby Close To The Lobby Bar

Note: No Cameras, Cell Phones, or Electronic Equipment is Permitted

On these tours, one will have to try to live in the moment and commit as much as possible to memory as no cameras or cellphones are allowed in the bunker.

To go on the Bunker Tours, reservations are required although they can be canceled at least 24 hours before the time of the tour. There is a nonrefundable fee of $39.00 for those who do not cancel in time.

  • Adults: $39 per Person (Tax Included, Tip Excluded)
  • Youth (10-18): $20 per Youth (Tax Included, Tip Excluded)

Private Tours:

  • Before 5:00pm: $850 Per Private tour + $25 Gratuity
  • 5:00pm - 6:30pm: $1,245 Per Private tour + $100 Gratuity
  • 6:30pm - 8:00pm: $1,245 per Private tour + $150 Gatuity

Related: You Can Now Visit The Churchill War Rooms, A Secret Meeting Space During WWII

Who Knows What Other Top Secret Installations Are Out There?

Later in 2010, a further series of groundbreaking reports also published in the Washington Post blew the lid off of some more top-secret intelligence works.

Reporters Bill Arkin and Dana Priest revealed 33 building complexes for top-secret intelligence work were built or were under construction in Washington, D.C., and the surrounding area since 2001. Who knows what else is destined to come to light in the future?

  • 33 Top-Secret Works: Where Built or Under Construction in And Around DC Between 2001 and 2010

Next: 20 Hidden Rooms In Major Tourist Attractions Around The World