Did you know...

....Missouri has over 6,000 caves!  And more are being discovered every year.  Missouri is called the 'Show Me' State.  I guess in it's early beginnings as a State, members of congress were told things about the State, and the reply was, "You'll have the show me!"  But with all of the caves, they are in the process of changing it to the "Cave State".

This particular cave was discovered in 1862.  The man who owned the land was hunting and his dog disappeared.  When he went looking for him, he found the cave.  He kept it a secret, because at that time the Civil war was going on and soldiers were taking over caves to make salt peter, which is used in the making of gun powder.

In 1867, he placed an ad in a newspaper for someone who might want to come and explore the cave.  Eight women from the athletic association from Springfield showed up with candles in cans to explore the cave!  They stayed 8 hours, and signed their names, which are still there.

At times it was  used for various things, including mushroom farming, a speak easy during Prohibition days, a meeting place for the KKK, and later a stage area for country and gospel music.

It is amazing, with all of the activities, over such a long period of time, the cave was as unharmed as it is.  It is a beautiful cave.  One of the few in the world, there are only 6, that you drive through...a little tight in the headroom area at times.  Rachel and I went with Isaac and his family last year.  I really wanted Stan to see it, so we were able to enjoy it together....and I remembered to bring a camera this time!