Nestled amidst the sprawling, emerald hills of Fall River County, South Dakota, not far from the majestic Black Hills, lies a remarkable underground survival community like no other. This is the realm of Vivos xPoint, a sanctuary designed to house 5,000 souls within individual bunkers for 575 families, making it the world’s largest shelter escape.
As you approach this remote haven, your eyes are met with an otherworldly landscape—countless earth-covered domes standing in perfect rows, their concrete exteriors juxtaposed against the lush natural surroundings. This was once Fort Igloo, a place where, for over two decades, the Black Hills Ordnance Depot of the U.S. Army thrived, providing livelihoods for countless workers and their families. Many former residents still cherish their memories of this unique community.
Among the former residents is none other than the renowned television newscaster Tom Brokaw, who spent his boyhood years here with his family. In his memoirs, he fondly reminisces, “While my Dad was at work in Igloo, Mother was at home with three boys under the age of four. My youngest brother, Mike, had been born at the base, just fifteen months after Bill. We were confined to that small space during the harsh winter months, and yet I cannot recall any sense of hardship or any bickering between my parents. As my mother likes to remind me, ‘Everyone was in the same boat.'”
He continues, “My entire world, from the surrounding arid hills to the uniforms and vehicles, was khaki brown or olive green—except for some strangers confined to a stockade on the edge of Igloo, who wore bright orange uniforms and spoke a strange language in rapid-fire fashion. They were Italian prisoners who had been shipped a long way from the front lines of southern Europe to sit out the war in South Dakota.”
Due to its remote location, nearly all residents of Igloo lived in federal housing provided by the Fort. The community boasted schools, shops, and entertainment facilities, including a theater, bowling alley, country bar, swimming pool, and a recreation center.
Fort Igloo played a pivotal role during the 1950s, serving as one of the largest cities in South Dakota. However, in the summer of 1967, the government decided to shutter its doors. Now, over half a century later, Vivos, led by founder Robert Vicino, is poised to transform the ghost town of Fort Igloo into the thriving xPoint Survival Community.
Vivos is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents. The community boasts round-the-clock security with military-trained guards, “members only” access gates, advanced security systems, surveillance cameras, and onsite management facilities—all nestled within a high-security, military-fenced property.
A reliable water supply is drawn from two deep wells, tapping into an artesian aquifer. This water is then stored in colossal underground concrete tanks, complete with a distribution system connecting to each bunker. Each dwelling is cleverly concealed beneath substantial earthen berms, with meticulous grading for proper drainage across the gently sloping grasslands.
Inside each bunker, there is ample floor space for 10-20 individuals and all the supplies necessary for a year or more of self-sufficiency—an autonomous sanctuary ready for any conceivable catastrophe. All bunkers feature a standard interior width of 26.5 feet, lengths of 60 or 80 feet, and a generous 13-foot ceiling height under the arch. Protection against various threats is ensured with the inclusion of a massive existing concrete and steel (4′ x 8′) blast door, which can be additionally sealed to prevent water, air, or gas infiltration. Ventilation is provided by air and exhaust shafts, with space designated for a rear ceiling escape hatch that can be embedded into the concrete structure as a secondary emergency exit.
In the heart of Fall River County, amidst the rolling hills and memories of Fort Igloo, Vivos xPoint stands as a testament to collective resilience, preparedness, and the unwavering spirit of community. It’s a place where families come together, united by the common goal of safeguarding their future in the face of uncertainty. Here, the legacy of the past meets the promise of a secure tomorrow—a testament to the strength of those who stand shoulder to shoulder in the pursuit of a safer world.