Mammoth Cave National Park, located in central Kentucky, is home to the world's longest cave system, with more than 400 mile

Indigenous Peoples: Long before European settlers arrived in the region, Indigenous peoples, including the Shawnee and Cherokee

Early European Exploration: The earliest documented exploration of Mammoth Cave by Europeans occurred in the late 18th century

Slavery and Mining: In the early 19th century, the cave was used for mining saltpeter, an essential ingredient in the production of gunpowder

Tourism Development: By the mid-19th century, Mammoth Cave had become a popular tourist attraction.

Protection and Preservation: Recognizing the cave's scientific and cultural significance, efforts to protect and preserve Mammoth Cave

World Heritage Site: Mammoth Cave National Park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981

Civil Rights Era: During the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, Mammoth Cave faced challenges related to racial segregation

Research and Exploration: Mammoth Cave continues to be a site of ongoing scientific research and exploration.

Visitation: Today, Mammoth Cave National Park receives hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.