The
circumstances surrounding the settlement and development of the Black
Hills region
results in an unusual course of events. Although situated in the midst of a "civilized"
country, it was among the last geographical frontiers on the American continent
outside of Alaska. This was wild country in those years, but there was the spirit
of growth characteristic of any frontier. This growth, however, expressed itself
in a most unusual channel. Not only was the region attracting miners and other
commercial interest, but it was also luring tourists, visitors who would partake
of its beauty and adventure. Few frontiers have ever experienced this trend
toward
tourism coincident with their growth.
It was in this fertile
environment that Wind Cave was "born". It could not have occurred at
a more opportune time, for it was destined to become an integral part of the mainstream
of this unique phase of growth. Wind Cave became a cosmopolitan
thing. There were few caves known at that time; even less developed for tours.
But the few that were represented the ultimate in romance, mystery, beauty and
adventure. Most famous was Mammoth Cave, KY, and Wind took pride in being able
to offer substantial competition. No better is this expressed than in the names
given to places and things in the cave. Everything was named, and little effort
was spared toward variety and imagination. These names represent visitors from
all walks of life (e.g. Old Fellows Hall, Tabernacle, Bishop Fowler's Retreat,
Dante's Inferno, Milton's Study, Chopin's Nocturne) from the four corners of the
Earth (e.g. Scenes of Wicklow, World's Fairground, New York Elevated Railroad,
Union College) as well as the realism and humor the difficult places generated
(Cliff Climber's Delight, Fat Woman's Misery, Ghost of She, Hard Scramble, Bridge
of Sighs). This is a distinct contrast with the old names in Carlsbad Caverns,
NM, which with few exceptions are local, based on American Indian mythology.
Through lack of use, the location and origin of
many of these names have been forgotten. This period produced a variety
of literature that reveals a number of reliable clues for identification
of these places. Cave Regions of the Ozarks
and Black Hills, Luella
Agnes Owen, 1898 and Mazes
and Marvels of Wind Cave, Edward C. Horn, 1901 each contain
sections on the cave written in guide book form. The present tour
routes were used then, and it is possible to start at the entrance
and follow each guide step by step through the cave.
Although somewhat more vague in terms of locations,
The Private Account of A.F. McDonald,
is probably the standard work on the subject, at least historically. At present
it is the only information available on areas not covered by Horn and Owen. A
number of old photographs have been uncovered, and thanks to the technology of
stereo photography a number of positive identifications have been made.
No scholarly research has been expended in this project. The technique involved
in simply following the guides through the cave. The descriptions are often adequately
obvious to pinpoint the location. Often no such feature is evident (many changes
were made during trail construction) and one must rely on the sequence indicated
by the guide. If a place lies between two known places, or immediately after a
known place, the location can be inferred. This latter was employed in many cases,
and although possible unreliable in some instances, is based on the only information
available. Until more information is discovered, this is where it must remain.
Locations are in
terms of survey stations or numbered light fixtures.
LINCOLNS
FIREPLACE LOCATION: 1-28 SOURCE
OF NAME: "We next enter a small chamber of the cabin type where we are shown
Lincoln's Fireplace. The kindling is placed in position ready for a fire to warm
the Rail-splitter when he comes in from the forest. The pine knot is placed to
give proper light for his nocturnal study, pre-paring him for the presidency."
(1) An intuitive assumption can be drawn on the general location, for if Passing
the fireplace, we notice a Prairie Dog and Mound..." (2) A low, arched alcove
is located on the west side of the trail, on the entrance side of the Prairie
Dog Mound. At present, it is filled with rock, obviously the result of trail construction.
(1) E.C. Horn, Mazes and Marve1s of Wind Cave, 1901, p. 10. (2) Ibid
PRAIRIE DOG AND MOUND LOCATION:
1-31 (opposite side) SOURCE OF NAME: "Passing the fireplace,
we notice a Prairie Dog and Mound. The little chirper stands ready to dive from
our view, but moves not an inch, for his petrified state long ago produced locomotor
ataxia." (1) The mound is a group of two small mud-drip holes. The dog was
a rock, which someone evidently had brought from another part of the cave, and
in the pre-federal period, visitors were continually attempting to take it. A
woman from Chicago succeeded in making off with it, but returned it when contacted
by mail. (2) A visitor in 1963 affirmed that it was there in 1925, but the mound
now lies completely abandoned. (1) E.C. Horn, Mazes and Marvels of Wind
Cave, p. 10. (2) Bohi, History of Wind Cave, p. 405. PETRIFIED
CLOUDS LOCATION: 1-32 SOURCE OF
NAME: "Our attention is next called to a freak of nature not seen except
in Wind Cave. Burning a ribbon of magnesium the guide directs our attention to
the phenomenon, and umbrellas are wished for as we behold the unexpected Petrified
Clouds. It is needless to state that the unexpected may always be expected while
touring in a region of perpetual surprise." (1) Irregular solution on ceiling
is descriptive. (1) E.C. Horn, Mazes and Marvels of Wind Cave, 1901,
p. 10. SNOW BALL ROOM LOCATION:
l-35 or 1-37 SOURCE OF NAME: "Looking overhead, we notice
a myriad of Snow Balls, each adhering to the frescoed rock as if lately driven
to their rest by the recently liberated school boy. This appearance produces a
chilling sensation, but the normal temperature returns when the deceived visitor
learns that the nearest snow is not less than two hundred miles away to the northward,
and that what we see above us and around us are carbonate of lime formations only.
They appear so much like well-formed snow balls, however, that the very elect
are deceived." (1) Calcite and aragonite deposition is descriptive.
(1) E.C. Horn, Mazes and Marvels of Wind Cave, 1901, p. 10. ROES
MISERY LOCATION: 2-12 to 2-14
SOURCE OF NAME: "Leaving this medley of letters and cards (Post Office)
we pass into Roe's Misery. Here an early guide named Roe got stuck and had to
be
pulled out by means of a rope." (l) The narrow passageway south out of the
Post Office shows evidence of much enlargement, and evidently was this notorious
crawlway. It must have been a tight squeeze. Bob McAdam states, that as a boy,
weighing 108 pounds, he had to lie on his side to get through (2) and from scattered
comments in "The Private Account", the McDonalds spent a great deal
of time enlarging it.
Another amusing insight comes from what the guides
were apparently telling visitors in 1921. "A little farther on is a large
crevice into which, as the story goes, a man named Roe unfortunately fell. It
proved necessary to let down a mule by means of a block and tackle, thus to extract
him from his predicament. Hence the name "Roes Misery" was applied
to this particular place." (3) RED HALL
LOCATION: 2-17 OTHER NAMES: Beauty
Parlor SOURCE OF NAME: "The next chamber is called Red Hall, the
prevailing color being red. Here the visitor is shown Liberty Bell, which is cracked
just like the original at Philadelphia. What formed it? is the usual question.
No living man knows, but it is supposed to be the work of a geyser spurting up
from the floor. Not far from Liberty Bell is a Wash Boiler, which especially interests
the ladies who are so fortunate as to see it." (1) Owen, quoting
Elmer McDonald further identifies the place - "Red Hall is the room next
in order, and has on either side a red bank of sandy micaceous clay" (2)
(1) E.C. Horn, Mazes and Marvels of Wind Cave, 1901, p. 11. (2) Luella
Agnes Owen, Cave Regions of the Ozarks and Black Hills, 1898 HARD
SCRAMBLE AVENUE LOCATION: 2-21 to 3-5; White Room
area at 2-21 SOURCE OF NAME: "From the White Room the visitor
enters the Opera House via Hard Scramble Ave." (1) Normal sequence and evidence
of extensive trail construction, filling and grading suggest the name.
(1) E.C. Horn, Mazes and Marvels of Wind Cave, 1901, p. 11. DEVILS
LOOKOUT LOCATION: 3-8 SOURCE CF
NAME: "The next point of interest is the Devil's Lookout standing 65 feet
high. Here in silence are two pigs, one having an ear of corn in his mouth as
if ready to run for a more congenial spot. A New York lady discovered the two
pigs, and remarked, Isnt it perfectly wonderful that I should be the
first one to discover the pigs? The guide replied, It is easy for
people who have been in the habit of seeing such animals to find their likeness
here in the Cave. He was saved from her wrath by being the only one who
knew the route." (1) Up until 1890 this point marked the end of
the cave. Passageways beyond apparently were too tight to permit passage until
Alvin McDonald and Bob McAdam enlarged a hole* with a chisel. (2) *:
3-9 to 3-10 (1) E.C. Horn, Mazes and Marvels of Wind Cave, 1901,
p. 12. (2) Bohi, History of Wind Cave SOUNDING
ROCK LOCATION: 3-9 (large rock formation to right
of 3-9when facing light) SOURCE OF NAME: From the Devils
Lookout "We next pass Sounding Rock or His Satanic Majesty's Call and enter
Milton's Study
" (1) There is a flake attached to the upon which the
location light is mounted, which rings very resonantly when struck with the fist.
(1) E.C. Horn, Mazes and Marvels of Wind Cave, 1901, p. 12. SAMPSONS
PALACE LOCATION: 3-16 SOURCE OF
NAME: "The next room is named Sampson's Palace. It has a very high dome with
a boxwork edges and stalagmitic floor. In this place is a formation known as the
Queen of Sheba's Head Dress. The drapery was a premonition of modern Parisian
styles." (1) Comments by Elmer McDonald follow much the same idea.
"Sampsons palace is the next room in order; here we see some stalagmitic
water formation on the left wall and the ceiling is one of the most beautiful
yet seen on the trip." (2) (1) E.C. Horn, Mazes and Marvels of Wind
Cave, 1901, p. 12. (2) Luella Agnes Owen, Cave Regions of the Ozarks and Black
Hills, 1898 SWISS SCENERY LOCATION:
3-19 & 3-18 SOURCE OF NAME: In consecutive order, "We
pass along to Swiss Scenery (from Sampsons Palace) a very prettily decorated
room fifty feet in length by fifteen feet in height. The box work is very pretty,
shading from yellow to dark brown. The general appearance of the room would suggest
its name, it being rougher than any other in the immediate vicinity." (1)
This final statement suggested its possible location and an old stereo photograph
confirmed it. (2) (1) Luella Agnes Owen, Cave Regions of the Ozarks and
Black Hills, 1898 (2) Photo, Swiss Scenery, W.R. Cross, Stereo Photos In Wind
Cave QUEEN'S DRAWING ROOM
LOCATION: 4-1 to 4-2 SOURCE OF NAME:
"Following our guide, we enter the Queen's Drawing Room, a chamber fearfully
and wonderfully made. Here tapestries, draperies box-work greet one on all sides."
(1) "Passing under an arch (from Swiss Scenery) we enter the Queens
Drawing Room. Here the boxwork has been developed beyond any on our pathway thus
far. From the ceiling it hangs like draperies and on the left wall is about twenty
four inches in depth. On the whole this room is elegant enough for the most exacting
queen." (2) Consecutive order and the description locate the room.
(1) E.C. Horn, Mazes and Marvels of Wind Cave, 1901, p. 13. (2) Luella
Agnes Owen, Cave Regions of the Ozarks and Black Hills, 1898 NEW
YORK ELEVATED R.R. LOCATION: 4-2 to 4-5
SOURCE OF NAME: "Advancing a short distance (from the Queens Drawing
Room) we look above and behold the New York Elevated R.R. The cars are not running
owing to a strike." (1) Consecutive order seems to locate this, but exactly
what feature represents this is uncertain. A series of horizontal tubes
parallel the main passage at a level 10 feet above the floor, extending from the
Queens Drawing Room to 4-5. This may have been it. Could be boxwork
in ceiling which has appearance of tracks above 4-5. Tube is immediately in front
and down the trail from 4-5. E.C. Horn, Mazes and Marvels of Wind Cave,
1901, p. 13. M.E. CHURCH LOCATION:
4-4 SOURCE OF NAME: The guide proceeds from the Queens Drawing
Room, and "We step from this room into the ME Church. Rev. Mr. Hancher, president
of the Black Hills Methodist College, was I believe the first to hold song and
prayer service in this room; the pulpit is on the left as you pass through. The
guides always ask if any wish to sing or worship, as any one has a perfect right
in a dedicated chapel." (1) Old photograph also confirms location. (2)
(1) E.C. Horn, Mazes and Marvels of Wind Cave, 1901 (2) Cross, Stereo
Views in Wind Cave, Methodist Church, (2 each) GIANTS
CAUSEWAY LOCATION: 4-9 to 4-11, Flat topped rocks
also at 4-5 SOURCE OF NAME: From M.E. Church, "The Giants
Causeway is only a few steps beyond. This bit of scenery has some resemblance
to the famed basalt attraction on the coast of Ireland". (1) Horn indicates
the same location and describes it as the "most rugged chamber..." (2)
Leaving the place, "We then make a graceful prolonged bow and file under
the Arch of Politeness (likely the low duck-under just before 4-11) into Lenas
Arbor (4-l2)." (3) (1) Luella Agnes Owen, Cave Regions of the Ozarks
and Black Hills, 1898 (2) E.C. Horn, Mazes and Marvels of Wind Cave, 1901,
p. 13. (3) Ibid CAPITOL HALL LOCATION:
4-15 to 4-16 OTHER NAMES: Bishop Fowlers Retreat, Cathedral
SOURCE OF NAME: Proceeding from the Giants Causeway, through Lenas
Arbor "We enter Capitol Hall at the side, about midway between the ends.
It is the largest room yet visited being some two hundred feet from end to end,
with a very high ceiling. Here we notice the wall and ceiling are bare of box
and other formation and are clean and white. The decorative appearance exceeds
any room yet visited. After getting into line again we go down a flight of stairs
to Odd Fellows Hall ..." (1) This name is apparently the original,
for it first appears in "The Private Account". In the company of Mr.
Horn "We then make a graceful prolonged bow and file under the Arch of Politeness
into Lena's Arbor, then on into Bishop Fowler's Retreat, where our attention is
called to the beautiful grotto named Lover's Retreat. Here, a youthful couple,
having lingered behind and being lost from the party were found by the guide with
clasped hands and in the meshes of cupid. The midnight darkness of that subterranean
world has no terrors for Cupid." "Advancing ... we enter Odd
Fellow's Hall". (2) 4-21 to 4-22 Bishop Charles Henry Fowler was
a prominent figure in the Methodist Church. He was Bishop in l884, and at one
time, President of Northwestern University. In 1898 he founded Nebraska Wesleyan
University, and likely was instrumental in the establishment of Black Hills College
in Hot Springs. (3) The same Dr. Hancher who gave the name to the M.E.
Church room was president of the college at this time. It was probably through
his efforts that the memory of Bishop Fowler was to be perpetuated in this place.
The name was later refined to Bishop Fowlers Cathedral, and later changed
to Cathedral. (4) (1) Luella Agnes Owen, Cave Regions of the Ozarks and
Black Hills, 1898 (2) E.C. Horn, Mazes and Marvels of Wind Cave, 1901, p.
13. (3) Personal Communication with Mary Miners, Hot Springs, l964 (4)
Bohi, Interview with Bob & Fanny McAdam, l957 POP
CORN ALLEY LOCATION: 4-17 to 4-19
SOURCE OF NAME: "Advancing through Pop Corn Alley we enter Odd Fellow's Hall."
(1) The left hand wall of this stretch of trail is heavily encrusted
with popcorn. (1) E.C. Horn, Mazes and Marvels of Wind Cave,
1901, p. 14. ODD FELLOWS
HALL LOCATION: 4-21 to 4-22 OTHER NAMES: Model
Room SOURCE OF NAME: "After getting into line again, we go
down a flight of stairs to Odd Fellows Hall, a chamber that on examination
suggests its name. In the ceiling is situated the All seeing eye,
one of the emblems of that august body, and at little distance the Three
Links; (solution pockets in ceiling) also in the ceiling, and just under
the latter is situated a rock very much resembling a goat". (1) This later
animal apparently suffered annihilation during trail construction, as even with
the aid of an old photograph, it cannot be located. (2) "On entering the
hall, the wreck of the Spanish warship Colon attracts attention. This specimen
of Wind Cave novelty was named by Dr. Lentz of Brookings, S.D. This wreck is 350
feet below the entrance, nearly two miles from the starting point and in the sixth
tier of chambers." (3) The breakdown block between 4-20 & 4-21 is probably
this feature. An excellent Syringopore coral (could not be located) may be found
on the ceiling of the dead end passage leading right from the top of the stairs
out, approximately 6 feet from the trail. (1) Luella Agnes
Owen, Cave Regions of the Ozarks and Black Hills, 1898 (2) W. R. Cross, #30,
Goat, Odd Fellows Hall, Stereo Views in Wind Cave (3) E.C. Horn, Mazes and
Marvels of Wind Cave, p. 14. TURTLE PASS
LOCATION: 4-23 to 4-26 SOURCE OF NAME:
"Nature, thousands of years ago, anticipated our choice of colors for the
national ensign and indelibly frescoed the avenue leading from Odd Fellows
Hall with red, white, and blue. This avenue is called Turtle Pass because it shelters
a large turtle about five feet in length by three in width. This formation evidently
was completed weary years before Columbus dreamed of a land to the westward".
(1) Likely this was an obstacle to modern concepts of trail construction, as it
no longer exists. None of the colors are evident, either. However, it would take
only a thin layer of dust to obliterate them, and dust is abundant. (1)
E.C. Horn, Mazes and Marvels of Wind Cave, p. 14. FALLEN
FLATS LOCATION: 5-4 to 5-7 OTHER NAMES: G.A.R.
(Grand Army of the Republic) Hall, Assembly Room SOURCE OF NAME:
The original name is descriptive of the breakdown slabs covering the floor, and
with reference to this room, Bob McAdam states "we christened it the Fallen
Flats." (1) Later on, however, "This hall was dedicated (G.A.R.)
in June, 1899, during the soldiers reunion at Hot Springs, ninety-six old
soldiers being present at the dedicatory services. A monument was erected upon
an eminence within the hall to the memory of the heroic dead who wore the blue,
but are now sleeping the sleep of the departed patriots. The committee requested
that every old soldier visiting the Cave leave his name, company, and regimental
designation at the foot of the monument. "The G.A.R. Hall is well
named. About it are natural fortifications more durable than were constructed
upon many a battlefield. Overhead are calcite formations representing breastworks,
stockades, etc., the handiwork of natures creation." (2) The monument
occupied the corner of the room now marked by 5-5. (3)
(1) Bohi, Interview
with Bob & Fanny McAdam, 1957
(2) E.C. Horn, Mazes and Marvels of Wind
Cave, p. 15, 1901 (3) Photograph, G.A.R. Hall, McAdam Collection
GARDEN WALL - GIANT'S COFFIN
LOCATION: 5-15 to 5-13 (Giants Coffin between
5-14 and light stands) SOURCE OF NAME: A little uncertainty is
evident in exactly what objects are referred to, but the location between the
Crossroads and present Assembly Room is positive. Elmer McDonald states "The
next open country is protected from public trespass by the Garden Wall, which
appears to have been well built in the long ago by masons properly trained in
their craft, and extends at a uniform height to the Fallen Flats
" (1)
A wall-like configuration extends from 5-15 to 5-13, on that side of the trail,
but not to Fallen Flats, although trail construction could have destroyed
this part of it. But Horn, in his guide book notes another feature: "Here
the visitor is shown the Garden Wall, upon which rests the Giant's Coffin. Strange
sensations creep over one as he studies his surroundings, fearful lest he be intruding
upon the subterranean retreat or mausoleum of some giant race. The coffin lid
can be raised and those sufficiently lion-hearted may look within observing the
Ghost of a Lost Opportunity." (2) No such feature apparently graces the wall,
but a prominent coffin-shaped rock rests at the base of 5-14, on the other side
of the trail. (1) Luella Agnes Owen, Cave Regions of the Ozarks and Black
Hills, 1898 (2) E.C. Horn, Mazes and Marvels of Wind Cave, 1901, p. 15.
CONFEDERATE CROSSROADS LOCATION:
6-1 SOURCE OF NAME: "
just beyond (Turtle Pass) is the
Confederate Cross Roads, where the fissure is crossed by another forming a cross
with perfect right angles. The right hand passage is used for specimens only;
straight ahead leads to the Garden of Eden, the end of our shortest route. We
take the left hand path and journey through Summer Avenue
" (1) Horn
indicates a number of additional features in connection with the place. "Turtle
Pass leads to the Cross Roads, where the route divides. Here is Nasby's Dome (5-19)
beyond which is the Breckenridge Gallery and Burleigh Heights (Probably the high
ceiling passage beyond, 5-19 thru 5-16) the latter having a dome ninety feet in
height. (1) Luella Agnes Owen, Cave Regions of the Ozarks and Black Hills,
1898 (2) Horn, Mazes and Marvels of Wind Cave, p. 14. SUMMER
AVENUE LOCATION: 6-1 to 6-9 SOURCE
OF NAME: "From here Summer Avenue leads off a distance of 300 feet to the
Masonic Temple." (1) "We now descend another flight of stairs into Turtle
Pass, where a large turtle rests beside the path, and just beyond is the Confederate
Crossroads, where the fissure is crossed by another forming a cross with prefect
right angles. The right hand passage is used for specimens only; straight ahead
leads to the Garden of Eden, the end of our shortest route. We take the left hand
path and journey through Summer Avenue, some seventy feet in length, and reach
the Scenes of Wicklow..." (2) The difference in spelling is apparently
a mispring of Horns. The origin of the name is somewhat puzzling, at least
in terms of the discovery date. "On the 26th day of November 1890 the route,
Summer Avenue, Irish misery and Sceneries of Wicklow were discovered by R.B. Moss
and A.F. McDonald. (3) (1) E.C. Horn, Mazes and Marvels of Wind Cave,
1901 p. 18 (2) Luella Agnes Owen, Cave Regions of the Ozarks and Black Hills,
1898 (3) The Private Account of A. F. McDonald, Discoveries and Dates
MASONIC TEMPLE LOCATION:
6-12 and/or passage leading south of 7-21 SOURCE OF NAME: "From
here Sumner (sic) Avenue leads off a distance of 300 feet to the Masonic Temple."
(1) But in 1898, "On the right (in the Assembly Room, 7-24) is a passage
leading to the Masonic Temple, a room that any body of Masons would be proud of
could they hold lodge meetings in it. The passage on the left is the terminus
of the Pearly Gates Route, the longest developed route in the cave. After moving
along... we come into the Tennis Court". (2) The subsequent change in location
was likely somewhat political, ire on the part of the group involved that their
hall was not reached by the regular tours. (1) E. C. Horn, Mazes and
Marvels of Wind Cave, p. 18 (2) Luella Agnes Owen, Cave Regions of the Ozarks
and Black Hills, 1898 SCENERIES
OF WICLOW LOCATION: 6-15 OTHER NAMES: Scenes
of Widow, Elks Resort, Elks Room
SOURCE OF NAME: The name appears frequently in The Private Account,
as the beginning of the Castle Garden Route. The archaic form was
apparently dropped rather quickly, as there was no doubt emphasis
on refinement and public image, for in 1898, Owen describes the
place as "a large and high room, beautifully decorated with
boxwork and popcorn. The ceiling and the left wall from floor to
ceiling are fine box work. On the right you see a dark space, as
a very large portion of this room is unused, but we pass the Pipers
Pig. (*) List! The guide is pounding on the Salvation Army Drum,
a large projecting rock that on being struck with the closed hand
gives a sound very much like a bass drum." (1)
A faunal change took place
by the time Horn visited the cave, for "From the Masonic Temple we pass to
the Elk's Resort, where an elks head greets the pilgrim. Close by is Salvation
Army Drum made in natures shop, and just overhead is a square of Irish Point
Lace formed by boxwork twenty feet on each side." (2) The communal identity
of the drum establishes the identity of both references, although the feature
has not actually been located. The boxwork and elk head are obvious. Lamp 12-1
shines toward a feature known as the Blarney Stone. (3) (*) Could this
be the Elk Head? (1) Luella Agnes Owen, Cave Regions of the Ozarks and
Black Hills, 1898 (2) Horn, Mazes and Marvels of Wind Cave, p. 18 (3)
Photo #2, W.R. Cross, Stereo Views in Wind Cave KIMBALLS
MUSIC HALL LOCATION: 7-1 to 7-2 OTHER NAMES:
McKinley Memorial Hall SOURCE OF NAME: "After walking across
a short plank (from Scenes of Wicklow) we enter Kimballs Music Hall, a very
beautiful room settled between two crevices and lined with box work. Viewing the
ceiling from the fissure on the right it is seen to be smooth and fringed with
popcorn. In some places the boxes are closed, resembling finished honeycomb. Over
head box work can be seen as high as the light penetrates. On the whole I think
this is the finest crevice in the explored cave." (1) Later on, however,
the name was changed, for in 1901, Horn writes that "A passageway to McKinley
Memorial Hall has the Wind Cave Chimes." (2) The chimes were probably the
boxwork. Could this be what Alvin called the Chamber of Bells? It was on this
route. The dual identity of the place can be established since both references
lead to the same place. "Going from McKinley Memorial Hall we enter
Whitney Avenue..." (3) "Looking straight ahead you wonder how
the party can travel over such a road as presents itself to view, but the guide
turns into an arch in the right hand wall and enters Whitney Avenue." (4)
(1) Luella Agnes Owen, Cave Regions of the Ozarks and Black Hills, 1898
(2) E.C. Horn, Mazes and Marvels of Wind Cave, 1901, p. 19. (3) Ibid (4)
Owen, Ibid NAPOLEONS TOMB
LOCATION: 7-3 SOURCE OF NAME: "Here
(McKinley Memorial Hall) the second paralleling crevice appears, in which is seen
Napoleon's Tomb, said to be an exact counterpart of the original." (1) The
block with lamp 7-3 is descriptive. (1) E.C. Horn, Mazes and Marvels
of Wind Cave, 1901, p. 19. WHITNEY AVENUE
LOCATION: 7-4 to 7-8 SOURCE OF NAME:
"Locking straight ahead you wonder how the party can travel over such a road
as presents itself to view, but the guide turns into an arch in the right hand
wall and enters Whitney Avenue. After walking across the bridge over shadowy depths..."
(1) "Going from McKinley Memorial Hall we enter Whitney Avenue, which spans
the shadowy depths. The question, How deep are these depths? How long is eternity?"
(2) The hole down, illuminated by 7-4 is probably the reference. The use of "shadowy
depths" in both writings seems more than just coincidence, although no specific
reference as to name is made. (1) Luella Agnes Owen, Cave Regions of
the Ozarks and Black Hills, 1898 (2) E.C. Horn, Mazes and Marvels of Wind
Cave, 1901, p. 20-21. MONTE CRISTO
PALACE LOCATION: 7-11 SOURCE OF
NAME: "After walking across the bridge over shadowy depths, our pathway lies
for some fifty feet in one of the most interesting ovens in the cave, at the end
of which we enter Monte Cristos Palace, by going down a flight of stairs.
This room has the greatest depth beneath the surface of any of the Fair Grounds
Route, which is four hundred and fifty feet. In this room is noticed a decided
change in the box work which is much heavier than any seen, or that will be seen
on this route, and the color is light blue." (1) "This avenue (Whitney
Avenue) leads to Monte Cristo Place, which is in the seventh tier of chambers
and on the 450 foot level, and 750 feet below the surface, for here the survey
shows that a towering hill stands above, holding Monte Cristo Palace firmly in
its palace as if in a Zeus-made vice. Here beautiful clusters of dazzling silica
crystals appear, flashing under the power of magnesium light like the most brilliant
of diamonds. In this place a triphammer blow is dealt to geology, which asserts
that quartz and calcite formations never appear on the same level. Here the unexpected
appears with quartz and calcite formations side by side as if they were breaking
no law." (2) The location is evident, but most of the vugs mentioned are
apparently gone. While silica and calcite "side by side" are common
in the cave, the writer was unable to fine any trace of silicious rocks in the
area. (1) Luella Agnes Owen, Cave Regions of the Ozarks and Black Hills,
1898 (2) E.C. Horn, Mazes and Marvels of Wind Cave, 1901, p. 20.
BRIDGE OF SIGHS LOCATION:
7-19 OTHER NAMES: Three-way Stair SOURCE OF NAME: "Those
who desire to see the Blue Grotto on the Fair Grounds Route may do so by passing
under the Bridge of Sighs, traveling... If you do not care to make the Blue Grotto,
you cross over instead of under the Bridge of Sighs and pass Bottomless Pit."
The latter feature evidently has been altered by trail construction, but is probably
the hole protected by a railing between the Three-way Stair and the Second Crossroads.
It must have been somewhat more impressive than it is now, for Horn continues
"It is called Bottomless Pit because the bottom cannot be discerned, but
if your Sunday school teacher should ask you, just tell her the tapeline stops
singing at the ninety-foot mark E.C. Horn, Mazes and Marvels of Wind
Cave, 1901, p. 20. GRECIAN BEND LOCATION:
7-22 to 7-23 SOURCE OF NAME: "Beyond the Bottomless Pit we
enter Grecian Bend, and bow very low whether we like it or not till we reach the
Assembly Room." (1) Examination of this little area reveals that the passage
has been excavated at least four feet. Bending may be an understatement; they
may have crawled. (1) E.C. Horn, Mazes and Marvels of Wind Cave, 1901,
p. 20. ASSEMBLY POOM LOCATION:
7-24 OTHER NAMES: Crown Chamber, Second Crossroads SOURCE
OF NAME: "From this Avenue (Milliners Avenue) we step into the Assembly
Room. The Passage to the left is the terminus of the Pearly Gates Route. After
moving along some distance we see the Bad Lands and then come into the Tennis
Court." (1) The latter is from a section written by Elmer McDonald. Making
the trip herself, and returning from the Pearly Gates, Miss Owen observes, "Next
is the Assembly Room or Crown Chamber, as it is called on account of a handsome
crown conspicuously placed. This room also contains a Moose so perfectly carved
that the skeptic who searches diligently for imperfections finally clamors for
the whole company to celebrate his discovery of the artists noble skill."
(2) These latter features apparently were victims of trail construction or the
mobs that followed. Further comment by Horn is interesting. "Beyond
the Bottomless Pit we enter Grecian Bend, and bow very low whether we like it
or not till we reach the Assembly Room. Six routes assemble here; one leads to
Pearly Gates, one to Fair Grounds, the others being uncomfortable for the tourist
who is less surefooted than the mountain goat." "The Palace
Fireplace was found here by Mrs. Markham of Sioux Falls. The Cliff House of the
Pacific Coast is an object of interest; the one in the Cave, being far removed
from the vandals hand, is undisturbed by the relic hunter."
"An avenue seventy-five feet in length leads from the Assembly Room to the
Mound Builders' Rest." (3) (1) Luella Agnes Owen, Cave Regions of
the Ozarks and Black Hills, 1898 (2) Ibid (3) E.C. Horn, Mazes and Marvels
of Wind Cave, 1901, p. 20-21. COUNCIL
CHAMBER LOCATION: 8-6 to 8-9 OTHER NAMES:
Dragon Room SOURCE OF NAME: The old photograph shows a view of
the room from the trail familiar to any guide. (1) Owen observes, "Which
besides other attractions is to some extent also a Statuary Hall." (2)
(1) W.R. Cross, Stereo Photos in Wind Cave, No. 19, Council Chamber (2)
Luella Agnes Owen, Cave Regions of the Ozarks and Black Hills, 1898 ST.
DOMINIC CHAMBER LOCATION: 8-12
SOURCE OF NAME: "Passing through the Chicago Portrait Room and Stabler's
Pass, we reach St. Domanic (sic) Chamber, the home of the Hornets' Nest, and the
sight (sic) of several geodes." (1) The location can be inferred from the
smoked inscription on the ceiling, and there is a hornets nest as well.
(1) E.C. Horn, Mazes and Marvels of Wind Cave, 1901, p. 29. ALPINE
WAY LOCATION: Joins levels between Council Chamber
(8-9) and Waiting Room (10-3) SOURCE OF NAME: Owen describes it,
possibly not completely accurate: "From the Council Chamber the Alpine Way
leads up to the Fair Grounds directly above. This alpine way is sort of a cork
screw twisting through the rocks, not unlike a badly walled well, assisted at
the lowest portion by a short and nearly perpendicular ladder." (1) Actually
it does not lead directly into the Fair Grounds, for in the chapter written by
Elmer McDonald we read an interesting sidelight that associates it with the Waiting
Room, two flights below the Fairgrounds. "Down one short flight of stairs
and we are in the Waiting Room so called on account of persons waiting here while
the rest of their party finished the trip by climbing up the Alpine Way. This
difficult climb was made until the route was developed via the Marble Quarry."
(2) (1) Luella Agnes Owen, Cave Regions of the Ozarks and Black Hills,
1898 (2) Ibid UNION COLLEGE LOCATION:
9-3 to 9-4 SOURCE OF NAME: The Fan Rock identifies this location.
(1) Horn elaborates "
Union College where the bell is always ready,
but never rings. Here stands Fan Rock, eight feet high, six feet wide, with a
base one foot square, always open for the use of the tired college girl. Here
also is the Letter Box, a very useful accessory to college equipment. The box
lid is sealed open by nature, permitting all students to receive or send mail
uncensored. " (2) (1) Butcher & Son, No.1621, Union College,
Fan Rock (#17h, Stanley Collection) (2) E.C. Horn, Mazes and Marvels of Wind
Cave, p. 28, 1901 CASTLE GARDEN LOCATION:
9-23 to 9-26 SOURCE OF NAME: "Leaving the Fair Grounds Route
at the Assembly Room, we pass under the Bridge of Sighs and find ourselves in
Castle Garden. This is a large room of blue formation, in which may be seen Sawyer's
Sea Serpent." (1) (1) Luella Agnes Owen, Cave Regions of the Ozarks
and Black Hills, 1898 WAITING ROOM
LOCATION: 10-3 OTHER NAMES: Bachelors Parlor
SOURCE OF NAME: Down one flight of stairs (from Johnstones Campground)
and we are in the Waiting Room, so called on account of persons waiting here while
the rest of their party finished the trip by climbing up the Alpine Way. This
difficult climb was made until the route was developed via the Marble Quarry."
(1) Passing Johnstones Campground we are ushered into a room remarkable
for its appearance, named Bachelor's Parlor, so called because it is so rocky.
It must have been named by some imaginative lady who rescued some man from the
woes of bachlordome, and knew whereof she spoke." (2) Probably the difficulties
of Alpine Way were forgotten by the time the name was changed. (1) Luella
Agnes Owen, Cave Regions of the Ozarks and Black Hills, 1898 (2) E.C. Horn,
Mazes and Marvels of Wind Cave, 1901, p. 23. SHEEP
LOCATION: Between 10-9 & 10-10 OTHER NAMES:
Degree of Honor Hall SOURCE OF NAME: Passing from 10-9 toward
10-10, looking back above the archway, one may observe features identical with
the old photograph. (1) Comments from the literature are worthwhile too, however.
"A winding path is followed until attention is called to the Sheeps
Head above an arch over the passage, and the ceiling here is of flint, the ledge
of which is four inches thick." (2) In an era of small-time political influence:
"Passing Workman Hall we enter the Degree of Honor Hall where the sheep is
on duty instead of the goat. This formation is the most perfect of all representing
animals found in the Cave." (3) (1) H. Cross, Stereo Views in Wind
Cave, No. 25, SHEEP IN WIND CAVE (2) Luella Agnes Owen, Cave Regions of the
Ozarks and Black Hills, 1898 (3) E.C. Horn, Mazes and Marvels of Wind Cave,
1901, p. 22. MARBLE QUARRY LOCATION:
10-10 to 10-18 OTHER NAMES: A.O.U.W. Hall, Bachelors Quarters
SOURCE OF NAME: "Here (Tennis Court) we take a rest preparatory to climbing
up to the Marble Quarry, a task of two flights of stairs. This is a very large
room and has the most uneven floor, ceiling and walls of any that our visitors
see, and is barren of specimens excepting in the first part over the stairs where
there is some box work of very pretty structure and color." (1)
"Our next point of interest is the A.0.U.W. (Association of United Workingmen)
Hall, dedicated in May, 1900 by the Grand Lodge of South Dakota." (2)
(1) Luella Agnes Owen, Cave Regions of the Ozarks and Black Hills, 1898
(2) E.C. Horn, Mazes and Marvels of Wind Cave, 1901, p. 22. DEVILS
PUNCH BOWL LOCATION: 10-12 SOURCE
OF NAME: "Some distance up the path (Marble Quarry) we see
on the other
side the Devils Punch Bowl, a large rock with a basin-shaped hole about
thirty-six inches across and sixteen inches deep, but lo! The bottom has been
broken out; which is very appropriate as South Dakota is at present a prohibition
state." (1) Lamp 10-12 shines through the bottom.
(1) Luella Agnes Owen, Cave Regions of the Ozarks and Black Hills
(Quoting Elmer McDonald), 1898
JOHNSTONES CAMPGROUND
LOCATION: 10-4 to 10-9
SOURCE OF NAME: "The next point of interest is Johnstone's
Camp Ground, it being the room in which Paul Alexander Johnstone,
the famed mind-reader and his party slept the third night while
on a hunt for a pin head hid in the Cave by Judge Boomer and W.U.
Germond of Hot Springs. Mr. Johnstone made a wager of $1,000 that
he could find a pin head if hid anywhere in Wind Cave, and he would
make the trip from Hot Springs to the Cave and to the pin head blindfolded.
The wager was accepted. The two responsible men mentioned were to
hide the pin. It was done. When the men returned to Hot Springs,
Johnstone grasped each man by the arm, led them to a conveyance
in waiting, drove to Wind Cave in forty-two minutes, entered the
cave and after seventy three hours and twenty minutes returned with
the identical pin head.
Less time would have been consumed in finding the pin head
had those who hid it not forgotten the route they took in hiding it. All were
lost at times. When lost the mind reader is said to have writhed upon the floor
like a molested serpent. He cried and moaned as if in the grates mental agony,
saying his reputation was at stake in the matter, not caring for the money. Thoroughly
blindfolded, Mr. Johnstone finally led the party into the room known as Standing
Rock Chamber and placed the point of his knife upon the pin head. A light was
flashed and a negative taken of the scene just as the point of the knife blade
reached the pin head. Mr. Johnstone performed other almost equally extraordinary
feats of mind reading at other places, which provided data for a chapter in the
New Psychology." (1) The remarkable thing about this episode is the manner
in which the different reports agree. "Passing under the (Sheeps) arch
we enter Johnstones Camp Ground, so named because Paul Alexander Johnstone
camped in this room while accomplishing the third of his greatest mind reading
feats, during which he remained in the cave seventy-two hours. He was locked in
his room at the Evans hotel while a committee secreted the head of a gold pin
in the cave. On their return, after being blindfolded, he led them to
the livery stable, and securing a team drove to the cave and found the pin in
the Standing Rock Chamber, beyond the Pearly Gates, and then drove back to the
city still blindfolded." (2) (See also Bohi, Seventy-five years and Wind
Cave, p. 406) Any number of things could have transpired during this three day
odyssey underground, from the extrasensory to the fraudulent, but nevertheless
it created no small sensation. The locations are self evident. Near 10-7
is an oval-shaped depression in the floor, obviously unnatural. Could this have
been dug for a bed? (1) E.C. Horn, Mazes and Marvels of Wind Cave, 1901,
p, 22. (2) Luella Agnes Owen, Cave Regions of the Ozarks and Black Hills,
1898 GHOST OF SHE LOCATION:
Across trail from 10-12 SOURCE OF NAME: "this hall (A.O.U.W.)
has the Ghost of She, and it so excited a colored visitor once that he endeavored
to go straight up in order to avoid meeting this mysterious apparition formed
of solid rock and draped in white." (1) Exactly what this is, is somewhat
of an enigma, hut Elmer McDonald states that "some distance up the path (in
the Marble Quarry) we see on one side the Ghost of She and on the
other the Devils Punch Bowl..." (2), locating it rather conclusively.
A number of irregular pieces of breakdown, as well as a canopy on
the ceiling could each fit the description. (1) E.C. Horn, Mazes and
Marvels of Wind Cave, 1901, p. 22. (2) Luella Agnes Owen, Cave Regions of
the Ozarks and Black Hills, 1898 TENNIS
COURT LOCATION: 10-21 SOURCE OF
NAME: "After moving along some distance
then come into the Tennis Court.
This room has the net in the ceiling and I suppose the party can furnish the raquet
(racket). On the right hand side of this room there is tier upon tier of box work;
looking to the left you shudder at the almost bottomless pit just beside the pathway."
(1) This is mentioned in "The Private Account", so evidently the name
originated with Alvin McDonald. (1) Luella Agnes Owen, Cave Regions of
the Ozarks and Black Hills, 1898 TICKET
OFFICE LOCATION: 11-30 SOURCE
OF NAME: "From the Bachelors Parlor the way leads through the Ticket
Office into the Fair Grounds." (1) From the Waiting Room (same place different
name) "A steep pathway and one flight of stairs now brings us to the Ticket
Office, and another short stairway leads into the room above, which is the Fair
Grounds." (2) The progression indicated by the descriptions and a count of
flights of stairs probably sets the location. (1) E.C. Horn, Mazes and
Marvels of Wind Cave, 1901, p. 23. (2) Luella Agnes Owen, Cave Regions of
the Ozarks and Black Hills, 1898 TABERNACLE
LOCATION: l3-18
SOURCE OF NAME: "
we reach the Tabernacle, the 1argest
chamber on the Pearly Gates Route. At the end of the Tabernacle
is
The Pearly Gates." (1) Examination of the area makes
this identification self-explanatory.
(1) E.C. Horn, Mazes and
Marvels of Wind Cave, 1901, p. 30. STANDING
ROCK CHAMBER LOCATION: 13-30 SOURCE
OF NAME: "Next beyond is the chamber containing the Standing Rock behind
which Mr. Johnstone made his famous discovery of the concealed pin-head. It is
an immense great fallen rock on whose dark surface are scattered transparent flake
like crystals of stain spar, resembling the congealed drops of a summer shower.
The mind reader entered the chamber by way we shall leave it." (l) This may
not be the place. However, the location does have a large breakdown boulder encrusted
with Non-euhedral crystalline gypsum, very common in the cave. The
progression is rather logical, too. There are also a number of solutional forms
that could be what Horn describes as "the Eagle, the Polar Bear, and the
Chimes together with the rock twenty-five feet high, which gives it its name."
(2) (1) Luella Agnes Owen, Cave Regions of the Ozarks and Black Hills,
1898 (2) Horn, Mazes and Marvels of Wind Cave, 1901, p. 29. MERMAIDS
RESORT LOCATION: 13-33 SOURCE
OF NAME: "A Greyhound stands in the passage way leading to Mermaid's Resort,
a nook that seems to make one grow young in spite of times advance. This
bower is roofed with crystals, lace like, encrusted with white frosting resembling
swans-down. Imagine a canopy studded with miniature cedar trees, their tops
downward hanging, spreading, and meeting each other, the roots in the ceiling
and all snow white, with an orange shade in the background, and you have a slight
conception of natures extravagance at almost the farthest point on the longest
traveled route in Wind Cave." (1) (1) E.C. Horn, Mazes and Marvels
of Wind Cave, 1901, p. 29. W.C.T.U. HALL
LOCATION: 14-1, 14-4 SOURCE OF NAME:
"Near the Eastern Star Room is the W.C.T.U. Hall, dedicated in August, 1892.
Here the flag and white ribbon keep each other company in perpetual night, the
darkness being broken only by the candle and magnesium light, the sunlight having
never penetrated that abysmal depth. Fittingly connected with this hall is Silent
Lake." (14-39) (1) This close association with the pool fairly reliably establishes
this place as the present middle elevator landing. (1) E.C. Horn, Mazes
and Marvels of Wind Cave, 1901, p. 16. FIVE
POINTS LOCATION: 14-12 to 14-13 OTHER NAMES:
Eastern Star Room SOURCE OF NAME: "Arrived at the top limits
of the stairs (Cliff Climbers Delight) the ascent is by no means finished
but continues through three large chambers known as Five Points
" (1)
Things were different by the time of Horns writing, for from Cliff Climbers
Delight "Our path leads to the Eastern Star Room, where chocolate caramels
tempt the eye and taste. A different route branches off from each of the five
points of the star." (2) This latter characteristic probably suggested the
original name, which, incidentally, appears in "The Private Account."
(1) Luella Agnes Owen, Cave Regions of the Ozarks and Black Hills, 1898
(2) E.C. Horn, Mazes and Marvels of Wind Cave, 1901, p. 16. DANTES
INFERNO LOCATION: 14-15 SOURCE
OF NAME: "The last point on the Garden of Eden Route is Dante's Inferno.
It is dark, black, deep, and a decidedly weird abode for the tormented, and without
excuse for its existence when compared with the Garden of Eden." (1) Following
Horns consecutive sequence, this location is the last room of any significant
size before returning to the exit, Five Points, and Cliff Climbers
Delight. (1) E.C. Horn, Mazes and Marvels of Wind Cave, 1901, p. 17.
CORK SCREW PATH LOCATION:
11-16 to 14-19 SOURCE OF NAME: "Leaving the Garden of Eden,
but not forgetting it, we visit Beacon Heights (14-l9) and Cork Screw Path. Half
way down Cork Screw Path the Glacier. (Travertine at 14-l7) Passing the Glacier,
we reach the Sportsman's Delight, where a Goose hangs suspended from the ceiling.
(In line between 14-l6 and 14-18) How many years have passed with the Goose unfed,
uncared for, untouched, no man knows, but she is there nevertheless, ready for
flight should the Glacier overtake her." (1) (1) E.C. Horn, Mazes
and Marvels of Wind Cave, 1901, p. 17. GARDEN
OF EDEN SOURCE OF NAME: "We next pass under the Cathedral
Dome (Could this be the high dome over 14-33?) through Kelly's Slide (possibly
the dip formed by the trail and stair at 14-31) to the climax of the route - The
Garden of Eden. The most beautiful frost-work and box-work fringed with frost-work
observed on the entire route is seen here in limitless profusion. The candles
are extinguished and magnesium light is substituted. The tourists from Maine to
California are fairly bewildered, amazed, and stand speechless as they become
entranced, intoxicated by the unexpected profusion of elysian beauties. Here adjectives
are useless, vocabularies fail; the word painter is confronted with a scene which
defies description. The camera is outwitted; nature triumphs. The many domes are
doubtless of geyser formation; and the depression named Jacob's Well (pit at 14-29)
represents the remains of an extinct geyser as he struggled for existence. The
Garden of Eden covers half an acre; the floor is uneven and rugged; the ceiling
is a constantly changing panorama of beauty. On one side is the LINNAEUS
GROTTO, named by Professor Udden in honor of the renowned Swedish botanist; (location
unknown, but possible corner occupied by 14-2l) for on the other side is another
grotto containing stalagmites and stalactites in the process of formation. (duck
under leading from trail at 14-20) A Gypsum Mummy (unknown) and Rhinoceros Jaws
are also attractions here." (1) A jaw like formation hangs from the ceiling
at 14-28. (1) E.C. Horn, Mazes and Marvels of Wind Cave, 1901, p. 16-17
FAT WOMANS MISERY LOCATION:
15-2 to 15-3 SOURCE OF NAME: "Another avenue from the G.A.R.
Hall leads to the Cliff Climbers' Delight (15-13 to top at 15-5), sixty feet high,
via Fat Woman's Misery." (1) The passageways at the bottom of the present
Garden of Eden Escape Route show extensive enlargement; likely these were difficult
crawlways. (1) E.C. Horn, Mazes and Marvels of Wind Cave, 1901, p. 15.
|
|