Near Mingo in Champaign County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Ohio Caverns
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., November 9, 2008
1. Ohio Caverns Marker
In 1897, a farm boy investigating the disappearance of water into a sinkhole in a nearby field discovered this system of subterranean passageways. Digging down a few feet, he found an opening to a cave that had begun forming perhaps several thousand years earlier during the Ice Age in soluble limestone bedrock that was approximately 400 million years old. Ground water dripping down from the cavern's ceiling continues to form stalactites, stalagmites, and mineral coatings on the cavern's walls, floor, and ceiling. A portion of Ohio Caverns near the discovery site was opened to the public in 1897, but that section closed in 1925 when a more extensive and geologically interesting part of the cave was discovered. Ohio Caverns is the largest known cave system in the state and is widely considered to be the most beautiful of all Ohio caves.
Erected 2004 by Ohio Caverns, Champaign County Bicentennial Historical Marker Committee, and The Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 7-11.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Natural Features. In addition, it is included in the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1897.
Location. 40° 14.283′ N, 83° 41.82′
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Mt. Tabor Church / Mt. Tabor Cemetery (approx. 0.6 miles away); The Ludlow Road / The Ludlow Line (approx. 0.8 miles away); Mac-O-Chee Castle (approx. 1.7 miles away); The Barn at Mac-A-Cheek Castle (approx. 1.8 miles away); Storing the Crops, Livestock and Machinery (approx. 1.8 miles away); The Broad and Fertile Acres (approx. 1.8 miles away); Who's in the Dog House? (approx. 1.8 miles away); Let's Play (approx. 1.8 miles away).
Also see . . . Ohio Caverns. Website homepage (Submitted on November 23, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.)
Photographed By Eric Evans, circa 2010
2. Ohio Caverns Marker
New landscaping around this historic Ohio Caverns marker.
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., November 9, 2008
3. Smith Tribute Marker
A loving tribute to the dedication of Ira & Daisy Smith and Marion & Reva Mae Smith in the development and preservation of this place of natural beauty, both above and below ground.
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., November 9, 2008
4. Smith Tribute Marker
Photographed By Eric Evans, circa August 2010
5. Tribute Marker to the Smith Family that Developed and Operated the Ohio Cavern.
Photographed By Tim Grissom, circa 2009
6. The Crystal King in Ohio Caverns
This formation is the largest of many stalactites seen on every tour of the Ohio Caverns.
Photographed By Tim Grissom, circa 2008
7. Palace of the Gods
A beautiful view in the "Palace of the Gods" one of several rooms along the tour route in Ohio Caverns.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 20, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 23, 2008, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 3,532 times since then and 60 times this year. Last updated on May 16, 2022, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. Photos: 1. submitted on November 23, 2008, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 2. submitted on November 30, 2010, by Tim Grissom of West Liberty, Ohio. 3, 4. submitted on November 23, 2008, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 5, 6, 7. submitted on November 30, 2010, by Tim Grissom of West Liberty, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
