Stephen Bishop and Friends, ‘Mammoth’ Cave Guides

We don’t regularly think about caves, but they have a remarkable story, from formation to exploration. Kentucky has one of the foremost cave regions in America, and the most notable cave – and cave explorer, Stephen Bishop (left), in the world.

Mammoth Cave National Park Ranger Chuck DeCroix leads us through the history and practical aspects of the 400 mile long cavern. You will find that what makes cave exploration special is the intimacy of hidden nature and the people that have preserved it.

All photos courtesy of Mammoth Cave National Park.

Highlights:

Highlights of the interview are included for convenient listening.

• Cave comfort and animals (2:01)
• Discovery and practical use of Mammoth Cave (6:35)
• Stephen Bishop (9:47)
• Living in cave communities (15:11)
• Other African American explorers, guide tradition (18:46)

Resources:

• Mammoth Cave, Atlas Obscura https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/mammoth-cave
• Enslaved Tour Guide Stephen Bishop Made Mammoth Cave The Must-See Destination It Is Today, February 6, 2019, Smithsonian Magazine https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/enslaved-tour-guide-stephen-bishop-made-mammoth-cave-must-see-destination-it-today-180971424/
• ‘Little and pretty:’ It’s what sets Diamond Caverns apart, August 25, 2019, The Washington Times apart https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/aug/25/little-and-pretty-its-what-sets-diamond-caverns-ap/
• What Are Some of the Geological Features of Mammoth Cave? USA Today https://traveltips.usatoday.com/geological-features-mammoth-cave-60954.html
• China’s Last Cave Dwelling Community Fights To Keep Their Underground Homes, May 23, 2018, New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/13/world/asia/zhong-cave-dwellers.html