Mammoth Cave
Mammoth Cave
The longest cave system known to man can be found in central Kentucky. It is as its name implies — a Mammoth Cave with over 367 miles (591 km) of passageways and new discoveries are being made every year.
Several of the land and water compositions have been given lively names such as Grand Avenue, Frozen Niagara, and Fat Man’s Misery. Tours of differed verities last from two to six hours. Portions of the routes are lit by electricity while visitors carry paraffin lamps in other passageways. Different tours offer different lectures which give visitors a more thorough knowledge. In Mammoth Cave young and old alike learn about Stalactites and Stalagmites, which are magnificent rock formations hanging from the ceiling of the cave or jutting up from the floor. As if to prove water had a great deal to do with the formations, take a look at Crystal Lake and do not miss the real waterfalls.
Naturally, the Native Americans were there first and several remains have been recovered. When the white pioneers moved west from the east coast, it is possible several discovered the caves yet left no record of it. History records that in 1797, John Houchin followed a wounded bear to the huge entrance and thus claimed its discovery.
In later years the cave provided America with badly needed saltpeter to use as gunpowder during the war of 1812. Soon after, other minerals were mined. The land, or rather that portion of the land which included the enormous main entry, changed hands several times over the years. It was not until 1838 that the current owner or the time proposed to make the cave into a tourist attraction.
The first tours were given by an African-American slave who drew maps and named many of its features. Rock formations and various connected caves have names such as — The Broadway, The Methodist Church, Booth’s Amphitheater, the Bottomless Pit, Fat Man’s Misery, Mammoth Dome and much more. In 1859 a stagecoach line took visitors to the cave and later tourists came via railroad.
Contrary to rumor the cave does not contain remnants of a woolly mammoth and the locals laugh at the notion. The region also offers hikes, camping, horseback riding, etc. Summer visits will insure more tours are available. Some fees are required. A Hotel is nearby as are several camp and RV stations.
By Marti Talbott Marti Talbott’s Highlander Stories
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