Deep within the redwood forests of Monte Rio, California, there lies a 2,700-acre retreat that has hosted some of the most powerful people in the world. Bohemian Grove is a secretive campground where each year, for two weeks in July, influential figures in politics, business, and the arts gather for a private getaway that includes festive gatherings, theatrical performances, and leisurely activities. But the secrecy surrounding the Grove and its activities has led to a host of conspiracy theories.

Historical Overview

Bohemian Grove was established in 1872 by a group of male journalists who formed the Bohemian Club in San Francisco. The club’s motto, “Weaving Spiders Come Not Here,” is an admonition against discussing business during the retreat, promoting an atmosphere of leisure and camaraderie. Over time, the membership expanded to include not just journalists, but successful men from various professional fields, especially politics and industry.

The Cremation of Care

One of the most notorious rituals associated with the Bohemian Grove gathering is the “Cremation of Care.” On the first Saturday of the camp, members perform a mock ritual sacrifice to an enormous statue of an owl, a symbol representing wisdom. On the other hand, many conspiracy theorists, such as Alex Jones, who successfully infiltrated the Bohemian Grove, have stated that the owl is a symbol of Lucifer. The ceremony involves the burning of “Dull Care,” a symbol of worldly worries and obligations, allowing members to enjoy their retreat free of care. No matter how you look at it, a ritual to a giant 40 foot stone owl in the middle of a forest is certainly strange.

Famous Members and Visitors

Over the years, Bohemian Grove has hosted a bevy of prominent figures, including every Republican U.S. president since Calvin Coolidge, as well as industry moguls such as the Rockefellers and the Morgans. Famous attendees have included Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, and George W. Bush.

Conspiracy Theories

The secrecy shrouding the Grove’s activities has given rise to a wealth of conspiracy theories. Some believe the Grove is a place where global policies and decisions are clandestinely crafted. Others speculate about pagan rituals or satanic cult activities. While many of these theories are unproven and sensationalized, they underscore the fascination and suspicion that a gathering of such influential individuals incites.