The Citadel, Benewah County, Idaho
For a reminder that not everyone has the same definition of utopia, consider the proposed survivalist fortress dubbed the Citadel. "Marxists, Socialists, Liberals, and Establishment Republicans may find that living within our Citadel Community is incompatible with their existing ideology and preferred lifestyles," its website warns. The community -- which has purchased 20 acres of land in Benewah County, Idaho, and intends to expand to house as many as 7,000 families of "patriotic Americans" -- has a pretty limited view of the government's role in defending individual freedom. Construction has not yet begun, and the group, led by a convicted felon who spent 30 months in prison for extortion and illegal possession of a firearm, gives no estimated opening date. Still, the Citadel's website claims it will boast towers and gates to protect residents, as well as a farmers' market, post office, library, and retirement facility. Applicants (the group already claims several hundred) must sign a "Patriot Agreement" requiring that every able-bodied member maintain a rifle, at least five magazines, and 1,000 rounds of ammunition, as well as a stash of food and water. There will even be a weapons factory on-site -- the III Arms Company, which this year was granted a license by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Jeff T. Green/Getty Images
SUBJECTS:
