Bohemian Grove
A 2,700-acre private retreat in California where the global elite gather annually for networking, ritual, and off-the-record policy discussions.
OVERVIEW
Bohemian Grove is a private campground in Monte Rio, California, owned by the Bohemian Club of San Francisco since 1893. Each July, approximately 2,500 members and guests attend a two-week encampment that includes lectures, theatrical performances, and the famous 'Cremation of Care' ritual involving an owl shrine. Attendees have included U.S. presidents, business leaders, and prominent intellectuals. Security is tight, and photography is forbidden. The secrecy has led to persistent allegations that key policy decisions are made at the Grove, though attendees characterize it primarily as a social retreat.
KNOWN FACTS
Leaked attendee lists confirm the high-level nature of participants
Secretly filmed footage (2000) documented the Cremation of Care ritual
Multiple books have documented the Grove's history and attendee patterns
Former attendees have described policy discussions taking place during the encampment
The Grove's security measures are unusually extensive for a social retreat
CLAIMS
Global policy decisions are made at Bohemian Grove outside democratic processes
The Cremation of Care ritual is a form of occult worship
The Grove's attendees coordinate major political and economic initiatives
The Manhattan Project and other major programs were conceived at the Grove
The Grove's secrecy enables activities that would not withstand public scrutiny
EVIDENCE FOR
Leaked attendee lists confirm the high-level nature of participants
Secretly filmed footage (2000) documented the Cremation of Care ritual
Multiple books have documented the Grove's history and attendee patterns
Former attendees have described policy discussions taking place during the encampment
The Grove's security measures are unusually extensive for a social retreat
EVIDENCE AGAINST
The Cremation of Care is a theatrical performance, not occult worship
No specific policy decision has been proven to originate from the Grove
Networking among elites occurs everywhere, not specifically at the Grove
The Manhattan Project story has been debunked as the meeting occurred elsewhere
The secrecy is consistent with a private club for wealthy individuals seeking privacy
OPEN QUESTIONS
No open questions recorded.
SOURCES
TIMELINE
Bohemian Club founded in San Francisco
Bohemian Grove property acquired
First lakeside encampment held
Secret footage of the Grove released publicly