Jewel Cave National Monument
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MNSearchers
N 43° 43.804 W 103° 49.796
13T E 594233 N 4842557
With more than 135 miles surveyed, Jewel Cave is recognized as the second longest cave in the world.
Waymark Code: WMMCR
Location: South Dakota, United States
Date Posted: 08/16/2006
Views: 40
Airflow within its passages indicates a vast area yet to be explored. Cave tours provide opportunities for viewing this pristine cave system and its wide variety of speleothems including stalactites, stalagmites, draperies, frostwork, flowstone, boxwork and hydromagnesite balloons. The cave is an important hibernaculum for several species of bats.
History:
In 1908, word of Jewel Cave reached beyond the Black Hills to Washington, DC, where it caught the attention of President Theodore Roosevelt. On February 7th he declared Jewel Cave a National Monument. The Michaud brothers eventually moved away and their family sold the claim to the government for about $500.
In 1928, a group of businessmen formed the Jewel Cave Corporation and provided tours to the public. This lasted until 1939. The National Park Service began administering the monument in 1933 and Rangers from Wind Cave came to the monument in the summer.
The Civilian Conservation Corps established a camp at Jewel Cave in May, 1935. Twenty-five men, with a budget of $1500, accomplished several projects for the Park Service. A three-room cabin and comfort stations were built. Sewage and water connections were completed for the cabin and public campground. The cave entrance was altered to provide easier access, and a surface trail of approximately 800 feet was made. A new stone stairway was also constructed. The Michauds original log building was removed at this time.
Stone stairway constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's.
In 1939, a National Park Service Ranger was stationed at the monument and began conducting cave tours and providing visitor services. The cabin became home to the monuments first permanent ranger in 1941. Except for a brief period of closure during World War II, NPS rangers staffed the cabin and cave tour operation. Then, in the late 1950s, significant discoveries were made within the cave, which lead to development of a new visitor center and cave tour route.
State/States the Park is located...: South Dakota
Park Designation: Monument/Memorial
Times the Visitors Center (or Park) is Open....: From: 8:00 AM To: 4:30 PM
Months the Visitors Center/Park is open...: From: 01/01/2006 To: 12/31/2006
Website From the National Parks Service Page of this Waymark...: [Web Link]
SECONDARY website.: http://www.nps.gov/jeca/historic.htm
Are pictures included?: yes
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Visit Instructions:
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