Big Bone Cave, Archaeological site and National Natural Landmark in Van Buren County, Tennessee.
Big Bone Cave is a large cave system with over 9 miles of mapped passages running through limestone formations and spanning 400 acres. The site preserves wooden mining structures including pipes, rails, and ore carts that reflect extraction methods used centuries ago.
The cave served as a saltpeter mine during the War of 1812 and the Civil War, with hundreds of workers extracting material needed for gunpowder. This mining operation supplied critical resources for military efforts on both occasions.
The cave draws visitors fascinated by its connection to a major paleontological discovery that changed how scientists understood extinct animals.
Visiting requires good footwear and preparation, as the passages have uneven surfaces, stairs, and narrow sections that demand careful movement. Wear a jacket since caves stay cool year-round and bring a light source if exploring beyond main areas.
A complete skeleton of an extinct ground sloth discovered here in 1811 provided scientists with their first detailed view of this prehistoric animal. The remains now housed in Philadelphia became one of the most important specimens for understanding how these creatures lived.
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