We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Symbols

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is the Bohemian Grove?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 15,046
Share

The Bohemian Grove is an exclusive private campsite located near the Russian River in Monte Rio, California. The Grove is probably most well known for its annual summer encampment, which includes a massive gathering of the rich and powerful in America. Goings-on at the Bohemian Grove are shrouded in secrecy, despite penetration by several journalists and documentary film makers. The mystery surrounding the annual summer encampment has attracted a great deal of attention to Bohemian Grove, along with large amounts of speculation.

The 2,700 acre (11 kilometers square) site belongs officially to the Bohemian Club, an exclusive private men's club which was founded in San Francisco in the late 1800s. The club was initially founded by journalists, but it was quickly penetrated by San Francisco's elite, who wanted to find a site to use for occasional escapes in addition to the central club in San Francisco. Members started buying up land near the Russian River, and the first summer gathering occurred in 1899, by invitation only.

People who wish to enter the Bohemian Club must be sponsored by two or more existing members. They also have to pay a hefty initiation fee, along with annual dues. Members of the club who keep their membership in good standing for over 40 years are known as the “Old Guard,” and they are entitled to certain privileges which are not extended to other members of the club. Arguably, one of the biggest privileges of all is an invitation to Bohemian Grove, located at 20601 Bohemian Ave in rural Sonoma County.

Membership in the Bohemian Club is not a guarantee for an invitation to the summer events. There are two separate summer camps, one in June which is generally only attended by Californians, and one in July which includes members from all over. At these camps there are an assortment of performances, speeches, and insider rituals including the “Cremation of Care” ceremony, in which attendees symbolically vanish the cares of the world.

The symbol of Bohemian Grove is an owl, and a giant statue of an owl stands guard at the camp. The camp's motto is “weaving spiders come not here,” a reference to the convention of leaving the issues of the outside world, including business deals, outside. In fact, as one would imagine at a gathering of America's elite, including several former Presidents, a great deal of business and politicking goes on at Bohemian Grove.

Share
America Explained is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a America Explained researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Related Articles

Discussion Comments
By anon336057 — On May 25, 2013

So using correct grammar is the way to go? One might think, if that is the primary prerequisite, that this club is not very exclusive.

By anon260671 — On Apr 11, 2012

I worked for the Bohemian Club for over 30 years. What do you need to know about the Bohemian Grove?

By anon133350 — On Dec 10, 2010

In response to anon47092, the first step you should take is to start using correct grammar and capitalization. You may have great talents, but you need to present yourself well first. Incorrect grammar will not get you far in this world.

By anon47092 — On Oct 01, 2009

i am interested with the bohemian grove society. i want to enter this society. i want to create my big future. i believe in myself. i have great talents.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.americaexplained.org/what-is-the-bohemian-grove.htm
Copy this link
America Explained, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

America Explained, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.