Story last updated at 12:11 am on 8/14/2007
By: D. Ray Smith | Historically Speaking | The Oak Ridger
Last week we introduced the history of Cherokee Caverns, a historic cave with most unusual formations and unique features found in few caves. We chronicled the early history of the cave dating back to the American Indians and noted the first time it was opened for public access. This week we continue the history of this beautiful historic cavern in our community.
In the late 1960s a restaurant was built over the entrance to the cave and operated until fire destroyed the restaurant, gift shop and cottage in October 1980. The last time I visited the cave before recently was during the fall of 1980, just before the fire. I recalled the many formations and the beauty of the flowstone and crystals. When I went on the special photo tour during this year’s “Cool Down in the Cave” event, I recalled with fond memories my last visit there when our two boys were still at home and we went often to such places as a family.
<a href="http://oakridger.com/stories/081407/com_191122246.shtml">Full Story</a>