Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-12-01

from the existence OF q cave, discovered
In 1879 by Mr.. Runner. a famous hunter
ana pioneer, who was afterwards killed
IN combs'1 with the Indians. on the eth
OF May. 1926. new discoveries were made
by citizens OF Luray. who penetrated a
distance OF half mile reaching Con-
gress Hall. Masonic Hall. and Hades. all
or which places are near the summit OF
said hill. At its base is large basin or
depression. filed with water Along its
sides, here and there, are holes.
marked with growth Of briar and weeds.
known 10 vsgrant boys as the haunts
OF rabbits Their more important si2nif-
canoe was not understood. however. untii
after the arrival. in April. 1873. of Mr..
i. L. Stebbins, a photographer Of Easton.
Nd, who induced several OF the towns
people 10 join him In the search for an
undiscovered cave. which, from surface
indications. he felt sure must exist in the
neichborhood.
With his companions In this memorable
hunt he prospected about the country.
digging here and there at promising
localities. but without success. until,
being nicknamed "cave-rate." they be-
came the objects Of good-natured ridlcule
from their wtownsmen. who charged
them with mistaking rabbits hiding
places for mares nests. and jumping
rabbits for sprightly young colts. At
length. on the 18th OF August 1873. they
examined depression on the hillside,
about 20 feet IN diameter by 10 in depth.
filled with loose stones and brush.
and grown mp with weeds. Upon re-
moving these distractions they found
an opening from which a current of cool
air was escaping. The opening was en-
.I.ff
lowered by means OF rope, and reaching
bottom. candle in hand, peered about
him. He found himself in a narrow rift.
about L. feet long by feet wide. with no
apparent outlet Closer examination dis
closed a hoe through which, with some
difficulty, the discoverer of the caverns
passed into the large open space, now
known as Entrance Hall
The Importance OF their discovery was
appreciated and at night the party re.
turned with candles and explored Steb
bins avenue, Entrance Hall, and En-
trance avenue. far as Muddy Lake:
then considerable body OF water which
stopped them, and Of the largest and
grandest part of the cave they remained
in ignorance. until. on venture. they
had purchased the lands under which Il
lay.
The principal places In Luray Caverns
are as follows: Entrance Hall, Vegetable
Garden, Muddy Lake. The Theatre. The
Gallery, Rustic Flower Basket, Fish Mar
het, Elfn Ramble, Pluto's Chasm, The
Spectre, Prosepine's Column. Minor Lake.
The Balcony, Hovey's Hall, Swords OF
the Titans, Hager Gazing at Ishmael
Crystal Spring. Skeleton Gorge, Giants
Han. Brands Cascade, Grotto of Oberon,
Bridal Chamber, The Chimes and the
Cathedral. T'tanias Veil, Snow Bank.
Santa Claus. Frozen Fountain. Diana's
Bath, Saracen's Tent. Oriental Pavilion,
Organ Room, Fallen Column, Empress
Column, Madonna and Child, Blanket
Room Double Column, Camel and Jumbo
The Handkerchief. Wet Blanket. Angels
Wing, Christ Blessing Little Children:
Sleeping Infant. Throne-Room, Chapman's
Lake. Lake Lethe. and Lake Lee. Tower
Of Babel. Katie's Secret, Sultana Column.
Indian Squaw. Chanticleer Lion of Lu
ray, Narrow Passage, Frozen Cascade.
Chalcedony Cascade. Mahomet's Coffin.
Ballroom. Tombs OF the Martyrs. The
Vault, The Idol. The Conical Shot Gin
derella, Pawnbrokers Grave Coral Spring.
Collins Grotto, Indian Ghost. the Dragon,
Snowfall Spring. Birds Nest, etc, etc.
Very respectfully.
c. II. HOFFMAN.