When John Sims moved to Tucson, Arizona, he was seeking a quieter, simpler life. Little did he know that his new home would lead him on an adventure that would be etched in his memory forever. The story began when the previous owner of the house shared a strange rumor with him, one that would send John on a quest to uncover a hidden mystery beneath his feet.
The Mysterious Rumor
John was eager to settle into his new midtown Tucson home, especially since the previous owner was a friend. Everything seemed normal until his friend mentioned a strange rumor—that something was buried in the backyard. This was no ordinary gossip but a tale passed down by locals, suggesting there was something significant hidden on the property. Although his friend had never explored it, John couldn’t resist the mystery.
As he unpacked his belongings and settled into his new life, John found himself more and more intrigued by the idea of something being buried in the yard. Unable to shake the thought, he began digging to see if the rumors had any truth.
The Search Begins
John tried several spots in the backyard, but each attempt turned up nothing. However, his curiosity only grew. Seeking more information, John dug into the history of his property. Old construction records revealed that a peculiar building called Whitaker Pools had been constructed there in 1961, adding another layer to the mystery.
John’s determination to uncover the truth led him to hire experts with metal detectors. The metal detectors soon beeped at specific spots, marking two areas with large Xs in chalk.
A Metallic Discovery
Excited by the results, John couldn’t wait to continue. With the help of the team, he dug deeper, carefully watching as his shovel hit something hard and metallic. It was only three feet below the surface. John hesitated—could it be a septic tank? The risks were real; if he wasn’t careful, he could damage a pipe or, worse, expose himself to dangerous fumes.
But the more he dug, the clearer it became: this wasn’t an ordinary object. Something far more intriguing lay beneath the earth.
Opening the Hatch
As John continued to dig, he uncovered a metal hatch. With great caution, he pried it open. Fearing the presence of mold or harmful gases, he kept the hatch open for nearly a day to allow fresh air to circulate. Only after ensuring the air was safe did he dare explore what lay below.
A Surprising Discovery
The following day, John peered inside the hatch and was stunned to find a spiral staircase leading down into a dark, enclosed space. Knowing the potential dangers, John was cautious. He wasn’t about to go down alone, so he called in reinforcements—friends and safety experts—before venturing further. With their help, John reinforced the area, ensuring everything was secure before proceeding.
Finally, John and his team used a ladder to descend into the underground space. What awaited them below would change everything they knew about the property.
A Cold War Relic
Once inside, John was amazed to find that the structure was in remarkable condition despite nearly 50 years of neglect. The space appeared to be some sort of shelter. It didn’t take long for John to realize that he had uncovered an old Cold War-era bomb shelter, built during the tense years of the nuclear arms race.
The discovery was both exciting and historic. John learned that many homes in the area had similar bomb shelters, built to protect families in case of a nuclear attack. The site had been constructed by Whitaker Pools, a company that had expanded into bomb shelter construction during the Cold War.
Tucson’s Nuclear History
It soon became clear that Tucson had played a significant role during the Cold War. The city was home to several ballistic missile silos, which were a secret part of the U.S. defense system. At the height of the Cold War, Tucson was known as “Rocket Town” due to its connection to missile defense, with many residents installing bomb shelters in their backyards.
John’s Discovery Goes Viral
John’s discovery quickly captured the attention of people far beyond Tucson. His post on Reddit gained hundreds of comments, and local news outlets began reaching out for interviews. The story even spread internationally, with publications like The Daily Mail and news stations in Japan covering the find. As a result, many Tucson residents became curious, wondering if there might be similar hidden shelters in their own backyards.
Preserving the Past
As John’s story gained traction, he connected with others in Tucson who had bomb shelters on their properties. Some had converted theirs into wine cellars or man caves, while others, like John, wanted to preserve these relics of history.
Motivated by his discovery, John began researching the Cold War era and collecting artifacts like Geiger counters, sanitation kits, and water supply barrels. His dream was to create a Cold War museum, showcasing the history of Tucson’s nuclear defense efforts.
Funding the Restoration
To make this dream a reality, John turned to crowdfunding. He launched a GoFundMe campaign to help raise money for the restoration of the bomb shelter. His primary goal was to make the shelter safe for visitors by repairing the entrance and replacing the dangerous, rusted stairs.
John’s Reflection on His Discovery
Looking back on the experience, John reflected on how surreal the entire journey had been. “I was hoping it would be like a time capsule, full of old civil defense supplies,” he said in an interview. “But even though there wasn’t much left, the historical significance of it all is incredible.”
A Word of Caution
For those living in Tucson, John has one piece of advice: if you suspect there’s a bomb shelter on your property, check the building permits with the City of Tucson or Pima County. If you find something, John warns against jumping in too quickly. There could still be toxic air or structural risks, and he recommends contacting experts before attempting to enter.
Looking Ahead
John’s journey has only just begun. With plans to restore the bomb shelter and preserve its history, he hopes to educate others about Tucson’s Cold War past and create a lasting legacy for future generations to learn from.
