The Tennessee Castle That Was Built to Survive Armageddon

It might seem odd, at first glance, to realize there's a castle in Kentucky if you didn't already know it was there. But it's really nothing out of the ordinary in the United States, which can boast of more than 60 castles within its borders. Some are permanently closed, while others, like the one in Versailles, are thriving businesses.

The Tennessee Castle That Doubles as an Armageddon Shelter

There are actually several castles in Tennessee, which came as a surprise. Why didn't I know that? The one I did know about and consider to be the most fascinating (because of its original purpose) is Millennium Manor Castle in Alcoa, Tennessee. Castles transformed into hotels and museums are one thing (and those are wonderful uses for such structures), but a castle built to shelter you from the end of the world is quite another. Take a look at this thing during its "apocalypse-proof" heyday.

Millennium Manor Castle Is Now Private Property

While Millennium Manor Castle is privately owned, the fortress is sometimes open for touring, usually on summer weekends if it is. But that doesn't mean they won't hold the occasional medieval re-enactment on a fall weekend.

The History of Millennium Manor Castle

The deeply-held religious convictions of William Nicholson are why 10 years were given to the construction of this fortress, beginning in 1937. And he built it to protect is family from the biblical apocalypse. Dean Fontaine bought the property in 1995 and even used it on his match.com profile, where he met his wife, Karen.

If you want to visit, make sure it's summertime, but follow the Millennium Manor Preservation Facebook page for updates, as well.