History of Caves in the St. Joseph, Missouri area

For millions of years caves in Missouri existed in perpetual night. Dwight: Certainly Missouri cave resources have actually been utilized from the very start of time, when guy went into Missouri and they continue to be used to this really day. In the 1700's inhabitants from the east started to get in the state of Missouri.

Like the Native Americans prior to them, they used caves for shelter and security, but they discovered another resource in caves needed for survival. The development of neighborhoods brought on new requirements and new uses were discovered for Missouri's caves.

The chaos of the Civil War, brought violence and mayhem to the state, and Missouri's caves were no exception. Dwight: At this time, in Missouri history caves were advertised. In many methods they customized the caves, they put in walkways, they put in platforms, and they used the caverns for dance halls, beer gardens and roller rinks, all kinds of social activities.

Following World War II when we had much better roadways, much better highways and much better automobiles, they started to open caves for tourism. There's been no time at all because the start of this period that we haven't had at least 2 lots show caves open to the general public. But Missouri's cave resources don't stop with the commercial caverns. These underground sanctuaries provide a special environment for dozens of unique animals. They are valuable living laboratories; a place to study our groundwater resources. When light penetrates the darkness, the outcomes can be remarkable.

Dwight: Certainly Missouri cave resources have been used from the very beginning of time, when guy entered Missouri and they continue to be utilized to this extremely day. Like the Native Americans before them, they utilized caverns for shelter and defense, but they found another resource in caves required for survival. The growth of neighborhoods brought on brand-new needs and brand-new usages were found for Missouri's caves. In numerous ways they customized the caves, they put in pathways, they put in platforms, and they used the caverns for dance halls, beer gardens and roller rinks, all kinds of social activities.

Missouri's cave resources do not stop with the commercial caves.