The Fortitude Ranch Complex: An Outdoor Facility for a Family-Dominated Ranch in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, Washington, D.C.

Set on a rise above the lush valley cradling the Lost River in eastern West Virginia, about two hours from Washington, D.C., the 50-acre property backs up against the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. A handsome guesthouse, built of dark timber slats, anchors the property. Two large, boxy dormitories, also timber but more rustic, as well as a bare-bones bunker, are designed to house more than 100 members. They are expected to pay up to $20,000 to join Fortitude Ranch and another $1,000 per year to call the place their home when calamity strikes, meaning they will head there when catastrophe strikes.

Some of the rooms are large and have enough space for a student, but they are also stocked with plastic bins and duffel bags. There is more than just a purpose at work here. A large underground shelter protected by layers of concrete, steel and wood connects two residential buildings with walls lined with cans of coffee and tuna, and enormous buckets of ready to eat meals. There are also underground meeting rooms. assault rifles and crossbows can be seen on wall pegs. A 50 caliber rifle sits on a table, which could be used to take out the engine block of a vehicle. An inert radiation detector is positioned nearby. (There are two at each compound.) Guard towers ring the property. There are balconies along the edge of the forest.