Atchison Storage Facility: Difference between revisions
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The '''Atchison Storage Facility''', commonly known as the |
The '''Atchison Storage Facility''', commonly known as the '''Atchison Caves''', is a 2.7 million square foot underground storage facility in a former pillar limestone mine {{convert|50|to|150|ft|m}} below the ground in the [[Missouri River]] bluffs at [[Atchison, Kansas]]. The bunker complex was a secure U.S. government storage facility from [[World War II]] until 2013. |
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http://stjoechannel.com/fulltext?nxd_id=344022</ref> The proposed uses of the facility include storage, miscellaneous business uses (operating under the name ''''''Mo-Kan Underground Business Center'''''' and ''''''Citadel Caverns''''''), an amusement complex (operating under the name "'''Extreme Underground'''" and a doomsday bunker. The majority of the bunker is to be used for the '''Vivos Survival Shelter and Resort'''.<ref>http://www.newser.com/story/169794/humanitys-survival-lies-in-kansas-caves.html</ref> |
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As of April 2015, Smart Warehousing, based in [[Kansas]], owns the Atchison Caves.<ref name="newspressnow.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.newspressnow.com/news/business/article_56db2000-9fde-5f1b-952c-9b827c8316e6.html|title=Famed Atchison caves get new purpose|work=[[St. Joseph News-Press]] and [[KNPN-LD|FOX 26 KNPN]]|accessdate=27 August 2015}}</ref> |
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| ⚫ | The facility, which is adjacent to Jackson Park in Atchison, has 125 acres of above ground land and 60 acres of underground storage space and has been called the "World's Largest One-Level Storage Facility".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.almc.army.mil/alog/issues/MayJun99/MS353.htm|title=The Atchison Storage Facility|work=[[United States Army]]|accessdate=27 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150825213012/http://www.almc.army.mil/alog/issues/MayJun99/MS353.htm|archive-date=25 August 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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==History== |
==History== |
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In 1886, George W. Kerford began to quarry limestone from the large bluffs 2 miles (3.2 km) south of downtown Atchison, Kansas. Initially, the company produced [[riprap]] for the [[Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad]], one of several railroads that traveled through the area. The Kerford Quarry Company's operations at the site resulted in a series of large caverns supported by {{convert|20|to|30|ft|m|adj=on}} pillars of unmined rock. The mines in the quarry grew to encompass more than 60 |
In 1886, George W. Kerford began to quarry limestone from the large bluffs 2 miles (3.2 km) south of downtown Atchison, Kansas. Initially, the company produced [[riprap]] for the [[Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad]], one of several railroads that traveled through the area. The Kerford Quarry Company's operations at the site resulted in a series of large caverns supported by {{convert|20|to|30|ft|m|adj=on}} pillars of unmined rock. The mines in the quarry grew to encompass more than 60 acres of underground space. |
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===World War II=== |
===World War II=== |
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During the Second World War, the United States War Food Administration was tasked with collecting and storing reserve farm products to support the war effort. A businessman in Atchison suggested to them that the Kerford Mines would be an ideal facility to store perishables due to the constant temperature and humidity in the caverns. In July 1944, the Kerford Quarry Company stopped their mining operations and began to lease the facility to the government for the sum of US$20,000 each year.<ref> |
During the Second World War, the United States War Food Administration was tasked with collecting and storing reserve farm products to support the war effort. A businessman in Atchison suggested to them that the Kerford Mines would be an ideal facility to store perishables due to the constant temperature and humidity in the caverns. In July 1944, the Kerford Quarry Company stopped their mining operations and began to lease the facility to the government for the sum of US$20,000 each year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.almc.army.mil/alog/issues/MayJun99/MS353.htm|title=The Atchison Storage Facility|work=army.mil|accessdate=27 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150825213012/http://www.almc.army.mil/alog/issues/MayJun99/MS353.htm|archive-date=25 August 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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The government immediately began renovations, spending nearly $2 million to create a refrigerated storage facility where the temperature would be maintained at 32 degrees. The War Food Administration stored perishables including meat, fruits, vegetables, dairy products and eggs in the facility. By 1949, reports indicate that the Atchison Storage Facility held nearly 9,000 tons of eggs, 20,000 tons of prunes, 1,000 tons of raisins and nearly 50 tons of milk. |
The government immediately began renovations, spending nearly $2 million to create a refrigerated storage facility where the temperature would be maintained at 32 degrees. The War Food Administration stored perishables including meat, fruits, vegetables, dairy products and eggs in the facility. By 1949, reports indicate that the Atchison Storage Facility held nearly 9,000 tons of eggs, 20,000 tons of prunes, 1,000 tons of raisins and nearly 50 tons of milk. |
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===The Cold War=== |
===The Cold War=== |
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In the years leading up to World War II, the Army Ordnance Department suffered from a shortage of |
In the years leading up to World War II, the Army Ordnance Department suffered from a shortage of specialized production machine tools. These highly specialized tools were necessary to make the increasingly complex weapons used in modern battles. In the drawdown following the war, the Army began to stockpile these tools to be held in reserve status to be used in the event of another national mobilization. |
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The Atchison Storage Facility, with its constant temperature, low humidity and protection from the building threat of nuclear weapons, |
The Atchison Storage Facility, with its constant temperature, low humidity and protection from the building threat of nuclear weapons,<ref>An Evaluation of the Shelter Potential in Mines, Caves and Tunnels [[United States Department of Defense|U.S. Department of Defense]] 11 Jun 1965</ref> was chosen to be part of the Ordnance Corps Production Equipment Readiness Program. The tools were held in a state of readiness, to be shipped nationwide to manufacturers in the event of a national emergency. |
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In 1952, the facility was renamed the United States Storage Facility- Atchison Caves. The Army converted two of the largest mines (more than {{convert|60|acre|ha}} of underground space) into storage areas with the installation of concrete block walls, concrete floors, electrical lighting, sump pumps, air handling equipment and an extensive dehumidification system. To facilitate moving the large machine tools in and out of the storage facility a truck receiving dock was built near the entrance, a railroad spur and dock were constructed and dock facilities for barges were established on the Missouri River. |
In 1952, the facility was renamed the United States Storage Facility- Atchison Caves. The Army converted two of the largest mines (more than {{convert|60|acre|ha}} of underground space) into storage areas with the installation of concrete block walls, concrete floors, electrical lighting, sump pumps, air handling equipment and an extensive dehumidification system. To facilitate moving the large machine tools in and out of the storage facility a truck receiving dock was built near the entrance, a railroad spur and dock were constructed and dock facilities for barges were established on the Missouri River. |
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In addition, a shop to refurbish and maintain the machine tools was established at the facility. At its peak, a private contractor was responsible for maintaining more than 5,000 machine tools in the reserve facility. |
In addition, a shop to refurbish and maintain the machine tools was established at the facility. At its peak, a private contractor was responsible for maintaining more than 5,000 machine tools in the reserve facility. |
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In 1977, the facility was transferred to the Defense Logistics Agency and it was renamed as the Atchison Storage Facility. It was later used to store surplus parachutes (more than 8,500), medical supplies and important defense department documents, plans and computer files. Documents classified as "Secret" were securely stored inside two large vaults. |
In 1977, the facility was transferred to the [[Defense Logistics Agency]] and it was renamed as the Atchison Storage Facility. It was later used to store surplus parachutes (more than 8,500), medical supplies and important defense department documents, plans and computer files. Documents classified as "Secret" were securely stored inside two large vaults. |
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Until 2013 it was operated by the Army Reserve's 88th Regional Support Command in [[Fort McCoy, Wisconsin]]. Defense Department documents listed the facility's use as storage and training. They list the size of the facility as {{convert|125|acre|ha}} above ground and {{convert|60|acre|ha}} below ground. In the 1990s some hazardous materials were identified at a former landfill at the site. Extensive site remediation was conducted and groundwater monitoring is being conducted in cooperation with the State of Kansas.<ref> |
Until 2013 it was operated by the Army Reserve's 88th Regional Support Command in [[Fort McCoy, Wisconsin]]. Defense Department documents listed the facility's use as storage and training. They list the size of the facility as {{convert|125|acre|ha}} above ground and {{convert|60|acre|ha}} below ground. In the 1990s some hazardous materials were identified at a former landfill at the site. Extensive site remediation was conducted and groundwater monitoring is being conducted in cooperation with the State of Kansas.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://aero.apgea.army.mil/pIAP-Doc/atchison/atchisoncaves.html |title=Department of the Army Incident Action Plan- Atchison Caves |access-date=2008-12-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722181351/https://aero.apgea.army.mil/pIAP-Doc/atchison/atchisoncaves.html |archive-date=2011-07-22 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://aero.apgea.army.mil/pIAP-Doc/89th/89th.html |title=IAP - 89th RRC |access-date=2008-12-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070817155822/https://aero.apgea.army.mil/pIAP-Doc/89th/89th.html |archive-date=2007-08-17 |url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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==Ownership== |
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In April 2013 the entire facility and property |
In April 2013, the entire facility and property was sold via an online GSA Auction. The final sales price was $510,001.00.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gsaauctions.gov/gsaauctions/aucdsclnk?sl=FTWOR713011001|title=GSA Auctions, General Services Administration, Government Site for Auctions|work=[[General Services Administration]]|accessdate=27 August 2015}}</ref> One of the new owners was Coby Cullins, a businessman from Missouri.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stjoechannel.com/news/former-army-storage-facility-open-for-lease-in-atchison|title=Former Army Storage Facility Open for Lease in Atchison|work=[[KQTV]]|accessdate=27 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924110439/http://www.stjoechannel.com/news/former-army-storage-facility-open-for-lease-in-atchison|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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==Vivos Survival Shelter and Resort== |
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However, by April 2015, Smart Warehousing owned the Atchison Caves.<ref name="newspressnow.com"/> |
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In the summer of 2013, the California company [[Vivos (underground shelter)|Vivos]] under Robert Vicino agreed to purchase a portion of the facility and is converting it to what it calls "the world's largest doomsday shelter" to accommodate "5,000 people living in up to 1,500 RVs. Customers will buy a spot and pay $1,000 per lineal foot of their vehicle. A 25-foot-long RV would cost $25,000 plus a $1,500 charge per person to pay for a year's worth of provided food and toiletries." It is to have indoor golfing, a bowling alley and swimming pool complete with a water slide. There will also be blast doors and an air filtration and ventilation system.<ref>http://www.kshb.com/dpp/news/state/kansas/underground-doomsday-shelter-to-open-near-atchison-kansas#ixzz2WezoCpC7</ref> |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{reflist}} |
{{reflist}} |
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==External links== |
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*[http://www.terravivos.com/secure/kansas.htm terravivos.com] |
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*[http://www.extreme-underground.com/ extreme-underground.com] |
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*[http://www.mo-kan-underground.com/ mo-kan-underground.com] |
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{{Coord|39|32|36|N|95|07|03|W|format=dms|display=title|type:landmark_region:US-KS}} |
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[[Category:Buildings and structures in Atchison County, Kansas]] |
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Atchison County, Kansas]] |
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[[Category:Military facilities in Kansas]] |
[[Category:Military facilities in Kansas]] |
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[[Category:United States Army |
[[Category:Installations of the United States Army]] |
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[[Category:Defense Logistics Agency]] |
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[[Category:Military installations closed in 2013]] |
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[[Category:Limestone caves]] |
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[[Category:Warehouses in the United States]] |
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[[Category:2013 disestablishments in Kansas]] |
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Latest revision as of 14:54, 22 August 2024
The Atchison Storage Facility, commonly known as the Atchison Caves, is a 2.7 million square foot underground storage facility in a former pillar limestone mine 50 to 150 feet (15 to 46 m) below the ground in the Missouri River bluffs at Atchison, Kansas. The bunker complex was a secure U.S. government storage facility from World War II until 2013.
As of April 2015, Smart Warehousing, based in Kansas, owns the Atchison Caves.[1]
The facility, which is adjacent to Jackson Park in Atchison, has 125 acres of above ground land and 60 acres of underground storage space and has been called the "World's Largest One-Level Storage Facility".[2]
History
[edit]In 1886, George W. Kerford began to quarry limestone from the large bluffs 2 miles (3.2 km) south of downtown Atchison, Kansas. Initially, the company produced riprap for the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad, one of several railroads that traveled through the area. The Kerford Quarry Company's operations at the site resulted in a series of large caverns supported by 20-to-30-foot (6.1 to 9.1 m) pillars of unmined rock. The mines in the quarry grew to encompass more than 60 acres of underground space.
World War II
[edit]During the Second World War, the United States War Food Administration was tasked with collecting and storing reserve farm products to support the war effort. A businessman in Atchison suggested to them that the Kerford Mines would be an ideal facility to store perishables due to the constant temperature and humidity in the caverns. In July 1944, the Kerford Quarry Company stopped their mining operations and began to lease the facility to the government for the sum of US$20,000 each year.[3]
The government immediately began renovations, spending nearly $2 million to create a refrigerated storage facility where the temperature would be maintained at 32 degrees. The War Food Administration stored perishables including meat, fruits, vegetables, dairy products and eggs in the facility. By 1949, reports indicate that the Atchison Storage Facility held nearly 9,000 tons of eggs, 20,000 tons of prunes, 1,000 tons of raisins and nearly 50 tons of milk.
The Cold War
[edit]In the years leading up to World War II, the Army Ordnance Department suffered from a shortage of specialized production machine tools. These highly specialized tools were necessary to make the increasingly complex weapons used in modern battles. In the drawdown following the war, the Army began to stockpile these tools to be held in reserve status to be used in the event of another national mobilization.
The Atchison Storage Facility, with its constant temperature, low humidity and protection from the building threat of nuclear weapons,[4] was chosen to be part of the Ordnance Corps Production Equipment Readiness Program. The tools were held in a state of readiness, to be shipped nationwide to manufacturers in the event of a national emergency.
In 1952, the facility was renamed the United States Storage Facility- Atchison Caves. The Army converted two of the largest mines (more than 60 acres (24 ha) of underground space) into storage areas with the installation of concrete block walls, concrete floors, electrical lighting, sump pumps, air handling equipment and an extensive dehumidification system. To facilitate moving the large machine tools in and out of the storage facility a truck receiving dock was built near the entrance, a railroad spur and dock were constructed and dock facilities for barges were established on the Missouri River.
In addition, a shop to refurbish and maintain the machine tools was established at the facility. At its peak, a private contractor was responsible for maintaining more than 5,000 machine tools in the reserve facility.
In 1977, the facility was transferred to the Defense Logistics Agency and it was renamed as the Atchison Storage Facility. It was later used to store surplus parachutes (more than 8,500), medical supplies and important defense department documents, plans and computer files. Documents classified as "Secret" were securely stored inside two large vaults.
Until 2013 it was operated by the Army Reserve's 88th Regional Support Command in Fort McCoy, Wisconsin. Defense Department documents listed the facility's use as storage and training. They list the size of the facility as 125 acres (51 ha) above ground and 60 acres (24 ha) below ground. In the 1990s some hazardous materials were identified at a former landfill at the site. Extensive site remediation was conducted and groundwater monitoring is being conducted in cooperation with the State of Kansas.[5][6]
Ownership
[edit]In April 2013, the entire facility and property was sold via an online GSA Auction. The final sales price was $510,001.00.[7] One of the new owners was Coby Cullins, a businessman from Missouri.[8]
However, by April 2015, Smart Warehousing owned the Atchison Caves.[1]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Famed Atchison caves get new purpose". St. Joseph News-Press and FOX 26 KNPN. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
- ^ "The Atchison Storage Facility". United States Army. Archived from the original on 25 August 2015. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
- ^ "The Atchison Storage Facility". army.mil. Archived from the original on 25 August 2015. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
- ^ An Evaluation of the Shelter Potential in Mines, Caves and Tunnels U.S. Department of Defense 11 Jun 1965
- ^ "Department of the Army Incident Action Plan- Atchison Caves". Archived from the original on 2011-07-22. Retrieved 2008-12-09.
- ^ "IAP - 89th RRC". Archived from the original on 2007-08-17. Retrieved 2008-12-09.
- ^ "GSA Auctions, General Services Administration, Government Site for Auctions". General Services Administration. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
- ^ "Former Army Storage Facility Open for Lease in Atchison". KQTV. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 27 August 2015.