The Kentucky Cave Wars are usually described as the era of competition that gripped the region around Mammoth Cave in the early twentieth century. It was an era of cave promoters battling in the courtroom, as well as along the roads, for the tourist dollars passing through Cave Country en route to the future national park. Road signs and solicitors on the highways fought to redirect travelers to one of many competing show caves in the area. More than twenty caves were open to visitors during the climax of the Cave Wars in the 1920s. Yet, the era of competition had its roots in the nineteenth century, when cave developers and promoters first started siphoning tourists away from the world famous Mammoth Cave.
The competition around Mammoth Cave and the actions of competing cave promoters shaped the future of the region and led to Mammoth Cave’s designation as a national park in 1941. “The Kentucky Cave Wars: The Century that Shaped Mammoth Cave National Park” examines this era from its beginning in the mid-nineteenth century to the creation of the national park and beyond.
As the final touches are applied to my soon-to-be released book, this site will be used to increase awareness and to provide potential readers with some idea of what the book will entail. Check back often for stories and snippets of information from “The Kentucky Cave Wars,” as well as the most up-to-date information on the book’s release!
Thank you for taking interest in my book. If you have any questions, you may post in the comments or email me directly.
David R. Kem
The Kentucky Cave Wars 