GREENBRIER BUNKER
GREENBRIER BUNKER
A secret Eisenhower-era underground bunker, designed to house members of Congress and their staffs during [and after] nuclear attack, will soon be open to tours by guests of the Greenbrier resort in White Sulphur Springs, W. Va. Last July, the Federal Government relinquished control of the 112,544-square-foot bunker, which is 700 to 800 feet below the West Virginia Wing of the Greenbrier resort. The resort is a national historic landmark
When the Government decommissioned the facility, all furnishings and equipment were removed. The Greenbrier has replicated the original contents as closely as possible, and will begin offering guided tours to registered guests in April.
Areas on the tour include the cafeteria, dormitories, the decontamination chambers, a clinic including an operating room, areas designated as chambers for the House and Senate, and the power plant, which was the source of emergency generators, water storage and air filtering systems there was also a "pathological waste incinerator" here (a.k.a. an oven for cremations). Not included, apparently, are the television studio, radio and communications room (including cryptographic equipment), and the dining room, the walls of which featured false windows complete with wooden frames and country scenes painted on them].
The 90-minute tour of 25 people at a time is $25. For children 12-18, admission is $10. Children under 12 years will not be permitted on the tour. For additional information, call (800) 624-6070. x7810
The resort is in White Sulpher Springs, West Virginia, about 250 miles southwest of Washington, D.C.