[1][2] In 1964, Girard Henderson had an underground home built on a 320 acres (130 ha) mountain ranch located near Ward, Colorado.

[2] Published in 1980, the book delved into the nuclear age, addressing the imperative need for comprehensive planning to safeguard ourselves from potential adverse consequences.

[12] To imitate the comforts of above-ground living, the wood-frame home had three-bedrooms, a swimming pool, and fake "outdoor" patio.

[11] Because the house had no window, artist Jewell Smith painted Trompe-l'œil murals depicting the New York City skyline from the living room and the Golden Gate Bridge from a bedroom.

[11] After Henderson died on November 16, 1983, the Colorado mountain property, including the underground home, was put up for sale for $1.5 million dollars.

It was purchased for $1.17 million by the Sacred Mountain Ashram on June 9, 1988 from a mysterious reclusive millionaire who was "terrified...of being caught in a nuclear holocaust."

After the sale, the exterior walls of the underground house were dug free of dirt, windows were built to allow sunlight to come into the home.