Ep 5. Secret U.S. Bunkers

In this episode of Lost Worlds, the team delves into the secretive world of U.S. bunkers, seeking to uncover the hidden gems within. Their journey takes them across the country, from the remote deserts of the southwest to the forests of the northeast, as they explore the history and technology of these fascinating structures.

Starting in Nevada's desert, the team visits a former nuclear testing site, where they find a massive underground bunker built to withstand the power of a nuclear explosion. The structure is made of thick concrete and steel, with multiple levels and rooms filled with equipment and supplies. The team examines the technology used to detect and measure the effects of nuclear blasts, including sophisticated sensors and cameras.

Moving on to Utah, the team investigates a Cold War-era reactivation center, built to house and protect top government officials in the event of a nuclear war. The facility is hidden deep within a mountain, accessed only by a long tunnel cut into the rock. Inside, the team finds a fully-stocked medical center, communications hub, and living quarters. They also examine the state-of-the-art air filtration system, designed to keep the air inside the facility clean and breathable for years.

In Wyoming, the team visits a mysterious bunker built during the height of the Soviet Union's threat to the U.S. The structure is located in a remote forest, and is surrounded by high walls and barbed wire fences. The team discovers that the bunker was designed to house important government officials and their families, with living quarters, a kitchen, and even a small movie theater. They also learn about the bunker's unique security systems, which include pressure sensors, motion detectors, and advanced surveillance cameras.

Heading to the east coast, the team visits a former Nike missile site in New Jersey. The site was built during the Cold War to protect the New York City area from Soviet attacks. The team explores the missile silos and launch control room, as well as the barracks and living quarters used by soldiers stationed at the site. They discover the complex technology that fueled the missiles, including radar and computer systems that could track Soviet missiles in flight.

Finally, the team visits a decommissioned bunker in Virginia, once used by the U.S. government to protect its officials in the event of a natural disaster or terrorist attack. Built in the 1950s, the bunker was designed to house hundreds of people for several months at a time. The team explores the numerous rooms and living areas, as well as the advanced water and air filtration systems used to keep the environment safe and healthy. They also examine the communication and security equipment, including encrypted phones and sophisticated alarm systems.

Throughout the episode, the team uncovers the fascinating history of these secretive U.S. bunkers, and the technology and architecture that made them possible. They also reflect on the reasons why the bunkers were built, and the geopolitical and social pressures that fueled their creation. Ultimately, the team offers a nuanced and thought-provoking exploration of this hidden aspect of U.S. history, revealing the secrets that lie beneath the surface of our modern world.