| Natural Bridge Caverns | |
|---|---|
| Location | Comal County, Texas, U.S. |
| Nearest city | New Braunfels |
| Established | July 3, 1964 |
Natural Bridge Caverns are the largest known commercial caverns in the state of Texas.The name[1] was derived from the 20 m (65 foot) natural limestone slab bridge that spans the amphitheater setting of the cavern's entrance. The span was left suspended when a sinkhole collapsed below it.
The caverns are located near the city of New Braunfels, Texas in the Texas Hill Country next to the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, a drive-through wildlife safari park. The caverns feature several unique speleothems and other geological formations. The temperature inside the cave is 21 degrees Celsius (70°F)[2] year-round and the deepest part of the public tour is 64.3 m (211 feet) below the surface.
The caverns are still very active and growing. Water flows and drips constantly throughout, causing the formations to retain a waxy luster that can be seen in few caverns.
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The caverns were discovered on March 27, 1960, by students Orion Knox Jr., Preston Knodell, Al Brandt and Joe Cantu[3] from St. Mary's University[4] in nearby San Antonio. On their first trip into the caverns, the men discovered/explored just over a mile of passage. Subsequent explorations revealed 2 miles associated with what became known as the "North Cavern."
After discovery, Orion Knox Jr. assisted the landowners in obtaining information and suggestions for development. Mrs. Clara Wuest[5] (the landowner), wanted to show the world the cave under her property. Orion approached both the National Park Service and the Texas Park System. While both entities agreed that the cavern was substantial and merited development, both groups told the landowners that funds did not exist for their respective groups to undergo such an endeavor.
Mrs. Wuest then decided that she would fund development.[6] Orion dropped out of school to assist. He also approached Jack Burch who had just finished work on developing the Caverns of Sonora near Sonora, Texas. Jack agreed to help and development began early in 1963. Mrs. Wuest remarried Harry Heidemann, a retired Texas Highway Patrolman in the early 1960s. Together, they started work on developing the cavern. The full-time development crew included Mrs. Wuest-Heidemann, Mr. Heidemann, Jack Burch, Orion Knox, and Reggie Wuest (Mrs. Wuest-Heidemann's son).[3] During excavation of the entrance trail, arrowheads and spearheads dating from 5,000 B.C. were found. Also, just inside the entrance, a jawbone and femur of a species of black bear that became extinct over 8,000 years ago were discovered. Work on lights and trails continued until opening day, July 3, 1964.[7] The cavern has been opened ever since and is still owned and operated by family members.
In 1968, speculation on a southern extent to the North Cavern was confirmed when test drilling indicated the presence of a large void beneath the surface. A camera was sent down the shaft and photographs revealed a large chamber filled with formations. This original shaft was reamed out to 22 inches and three men were lowered into the ground. They discovered a large breakdown chamber and numerous formations. The first three men to enter this room were Jack Burch, Reggie Wuest, and Myles Kuykendall. By combining the first two letters of each man's first name, they arrived at JAREMY, and thus this newly discovered room was called the Jaremy[8] Room.
Further investigation near the bottom of the Jaremy Room revealed a strong likelihood that another passage existed beyond a pile of rocks and boulders. The drillers were once again brought out to the property and another exploratory shaft was sunk into the ground.[3] This shaft also penetrated a large void. As before, the initial shaft was enlarged and people dropped down into the unknown. Explorations revealed another half-mile of cavern extending to the south. This then became known as the South Cavern.
Exploration continues to date.[5] During the summer of 2005, several hundred feet were added to the current surveyed length of the cave. It is believed that as much as another mile could be added to the survey by just mapping the known passages which have yet been surveyed. Additional unexplored leads exist in sections of the Discovery Passages (North Cavern).
In 2008, the Caverns' owners changed the names for the passages.[3] The "North Cavern" was changed to "Discovery Passages," and the "South Cavern" was changed to "Hidden Passages." According to the land owners, the change in names better reflects the discovery and exploration history of the Cavern and removes some confusion for guests.
Development for new tours continues.
Natural Bridge Caverns became a registered United States National Natural Landmark[9] in 1971. The site is tourist-oriented and suitable for children.