Discover the Hidden World of Decommissioned Military Bases with Underground Tunnels and Shelters
Decommissioned Military Bases with Underground Tunnels and Shelters: A Guide to Urban Exploration
Urban exploration has become a popular hobby around the world. It involves exploring abandoned structures, including old factories, hospitals, schools, and even military bases. While some may find it creepy or dangerous, others see it as an opportunity to learn about history and architecture while getting a unique perspective on the world around them.
One particular type of urban exploration that attracts many enthusiasts is decommissioned military bases with underground tunnels and shelters. These sites offer a glimpse into the military’s past use of secret underground networks for various purposes such as storage, transportation, communication or even protection from enemy attacks.
In this guide to urban exploration of decommissioned military bases with underground tunnels and shelters, we’ll discuss some of the most interesting locations in the United States.
1. The Greenbrier Bunker – White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
The Greenbrier Bunker was built during the Cold War to house members of Congress in case of a nuclear attack on Washington D.C. The bunker is located beneath The Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. It stretches over 112000 square feet and features its own power plant that could generate enough electricity for up to 1000 people for two weeks.
After being kept secret for decades (even from hotel employees), news about the bunker leaked out in 1992 when The Washington Post published an article revealing its existence. Today visitors can take guided tours through parts of the bunker where they can see dormitories equipped with bunk beds along with decontamination chambers and other amenities necessary for long-term habitation by survivors during times of crisis.
2. Fort Totten – Queens County, New York City
Fort Totten was constructed between 1862-64 as part of a network of forts meant to protect New York Harbor during Civil War era against Confederate naval attacks. The fort was also used during World War II as an anti-aircraft base, with underground tunnels serving as a storage area for ammunition and supplies.
Today, the fort is open to the public and serves as a park that offers visitors a chance to explore its many historic structures including barracks, gun emplacements, and officers’ quarters. Additionally, there are several underground tunnels that run throughout the 59-acre site which have been sealed off due to safety concerns.
3. Nike Missile Site SF-88 – Marin County, California
Nike Missile Site SF-88 was built in 1954 during the Cold War as part of a network of missile defense systems surrounding major cities across the United States. These missiles were designed to intercept incoming Soviet bombers before they could drop their payloads on American soil.
The site features an extensive network of underground tunnels connecting various buildings such as barracks, control rooms, and generators. Visitors can take guided tours through most parts of the facility except for areas where dangerous chemicals or radioactive waste may be present.
4. Fort Knox – Hardin County, Kentucky
Fort Knox is best known for being home to the United States Bullion Depository which houses much of America’s gold reserves but it also has dozens of other buildings located above ground along with an extensive system of underground tunnels used by soldiers for training exercises.
Some sections are still in use today while others have been sealed off due to safety concerns or disrepair over time. However, if you can gain access into these mysterious networks beneath Fort Knox then you will get a glimpse into one of America’s most famous military installations from past times up until now!
5. Alcatraz Island – San Francisco Bay Area
Alcatraz Island is best known for being home to one of America’s most infamous prisons between 1934-63 however it also served briefly during World War II as both a military prison and later an anti-aircraft platform.
Today visitors can take guided tours of the prison including its underground tunnel system that was used to transport inmates between buildings where they worked, ate, slept or exercised. The tunnels also served as a way for guards to move discretely around the island without being detected by prisoners.
6. Fort Worden – Port Townsend, Washington
Fort Worden was built in 1902 as part of a network of coastal defense fortifications meant to protect Puget Sound area from foreign invasion. It served during both World War I and II before being decommissioned in 1953.
The site features dozens of buildings located above ground along with an extensive network of underground tunnels connecting them all together. Visitors can explore many parts of the facility including barracks, officers’ quarters, gun emplacements and even a large gymnasium complete with basketball court!
7. Weldon Spring Ordnance Works – St Charles County, Missouri
Weldon Spring Ordnance Works is one of America’s most polluted military sites due to decades-long use for production and disposal of hazardous materials such as explosives and radioactive waste products which were dumped into nearby creeks causing contamination over time.
The site features several buildings located above ground but it’s what lies beneath that is truly fascinating: an enormous network of tunnels stretching over three miles long! These tunnels were used for storage facilities during World War II until after the war when they became storage areas for nuclear waste products until closure in 1969.
In conclusion, urban exploration at decommissioned military bases with underground tunnels and shelters offers a unique opportunity to learn about history while getting up close and personal with some amazing structures that played significant roles in America’s past wars against other countries or threats like nuclear attack from Soviet Union during Cold War era. While some locations may be off-limits due safety concerns or disrepair over time there are still plenty left open today so why not give it try yourself?