When John Sims came to Tucson, Arizona, he thought his life would be quieter. Instead, he heard a strange story about his new property that would make everything different. John was interested because the previous owner had said that there was something hidden in the backyard.
John started digging because he was interested. It took him a few tries, but he finally found something metal three feet below the ground. He knew this wasn’t a normal find as he opened the hatch’s entry. John carefully lifted the lid, which revealed a spiral ladder that led down.
John, who had been a firefighter for a long time, knew the risks and put together a group to help safely dig up and explore the building. They worked together to make the concrete stronger, add lights and air flow, and then carefully make their way down.
They were shocked when they found a nuclear bomb bunker from the Cold War. Whitaker Pools built the shelter, which was one of many in the Tucson area meant to keep families safe from nuclear dangers.
As word of John’s discovery spread, he became a celebrity overnight, and reporters from all over the world wanted to talk to him. People in Tucson became interested in their city’s past again after the discovery, and they started to wonder if they had hidden shelters too.
John wants to turn the shelter into a museum about the Cold War, where he will display artifacts and tell stories about the time. Residents who are interested should look into building permits and be careful when looking at possible shelters, according to him.
John turned to donations to help save this piece of history as the cost of repairs rose. As the project goes on, John’s backyard find continues to captivate viewers by giving them a glimpse into a different time and the fears that shaped a country.
John’s story reminds us that the most amazing finds are sometimes right under our feet, ready to hold the secrets of the past.
