Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1888-04-12
A Mammoth Cave in Alabama.

Great Interest prevails among our
citizens upon the discovery Of what
promises TO be in wopder second
Kentucky Mammoth Cave, found on
farm one mile north of Huntsville,
recently bought by Mr.. II. NJ Fuller
who moved here a few weeks ago from
Greenville, Mich. II had been be-
Heved for some years that there was a
cave there, but nothing was known OF
its character or extent. Therefore,
Mr.. Fuller, in company with two other
gentlemen, made elaborate prepare
tions and explored. At the entrance
it was found TO be fully fifty feet from
the surface to the main floor of the
cave which ran almost perpendicular
with a couple Of bench-l;ke projections
of rock extending out aboa5 tive feet
Upon these by turns, short ladder
was rested until they reached the main
entrance, when lanterns we're lit and
the party started upon an unknown
Journey Of doubtful profit or pleasure.
In "A few minutes the explorers dis
covered they were in a tremendous
cave. and, in order to make sure Of a
safe return, .hcy posted lights every
200 yards along the route Travelled.
They report most wonderful discoy-
cry. and estimate thC main room to be
about $50 to 800 acres in area, having
no supports above but n solid rock
arch oue-half mile in length and thirty
feet i'm thickness. The side walls and
overhead are covered with the most
beautiful crystals, which glstened in
the lantern light, and in many places
tall pyramids of stalagmitcs, and
stalacIites we're found equal to any
ever before seen. After going three
or four hours traces Of water were
found, and going to the right quarter
of mile they found n magnificent
lake Of pure fresh running water,
clear rs crystal, and full Of silver fish
without eyes, but having no tackle
they could only gaze IN wonder. The
lake at the first point seen could not
he estimated in width, because the
lantern would not throw the light a
sullicicrtdlstance to reach the opposite
bank, yet stones were thrown by
several Of the party with full force
which failed to reach it, and fell with
a splash i'm the water, which from the
sound indicated a depth OF thirty or
forty feet From estimates since made
il is believed the water is eighty to 100
feet below the earth's surface. After
following up the stream for some dis
lance an opening was found indicating
another room, which could not be
reached ON account of the high water
in the lake. though the indications are
that n is fully as larUe ms the one cX-
plored. Having been in the cave five
hours, aud it was growing late, the
party returned TO the entrance. Mr..
Fuller has christened the cave Shcltas
Rock. in honor of one Of his daughter S,
and will place i'm the cave an electric
LIGHT aud Otherwise make improve
mcnts i'm and around the cave, so as to
render it pleasant and interesting
resort to visitors So those who shall
visit our city and the great Moutc
Sano Hotel the coming spring and
summer may not be astoulshed to Ind
here cave more remarkable than the
great Mammoth of Kentucky. Nart
Gus couiectures are advanced as to it'
source. II IS believed that the bottom
less we'll on Monte Sane and the Hunts
willie spring are connected with this
immense subtcrrancan lake. The
North Alabama Improvement Com
pany will have this bottomess we'll cX-
plored next summer i'm order TO ascer-
tain its depth and the source ot the
stream of water which passes through
it, H1nsrHe (1ia.J letter 10 Mem
pins Alpeai.