A 25 tonne blast door swings open to reveal a dormitory of steel bunk beds, a sterilised hospital, an industrial kitchen and a cafeteria complete with 1960s vinyl chairs. Frozen in time, long dark corridors lead to the House of Representatives Chamber adorned with a full size American flag and a wooden lectern. Outside, a transmission tower, encased in a metal strongbox, allowed the Senate Leader to address a war ravaged America in its hour of need. For 30 years, Fritz Bugas - Project Manager for this top secret operation - was able to maintain the bunker by posing as an electronic consultant for the Greenbriar hotel. His cover was blown by the Washington Post in 1992 and the bunker was decommissioned last year. Now a tourist attraction, it stands as an eerie reminder of 'Doomsday' paranoia during the Cold War years.

Produced by ABC Australia