What is the historical significance of the Greenbrier Resort?

The Greenbrier Resort holds historical significance for several key reasons, primarily for its role during the Civil War and as a Cold War bunker. During the Civil War, the resort building was repurposed as a military hospital, reflecting the broader impact of the war on civilian structures and the necessity for medical care for wounded soldiers. This aspect of the resort's history illustrates how the site transitioned from a peaceful retreat to a critical location in a time of national conflict.

Later, during the Cold War, the Greenbrier Resort gained fame for housing a massive underground bunker designed to protect members of Congress in the event of a nuclear attack. This bunker was kept secret for many years, but its existence underscores the tense geopolitical climate of the era and the lengths to which the government was willing to go to ensure continuity of governance in times of crisis.

The combination of these two significant historical events highlights the resort’s unique role not only as a leisure destination but also as a location of historical military and political importance.