Horse Cave in Hart County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
Kentucky Caverns
formerly known as Mammoth Onyx Cave
| | Horse Cave Ky | |
Photographed by Jason Armstrong, July 29, 2014
1. Kentucky Caverns Marker
Kentucky Caverns served as a source of water supply for local residents and was in long use as a natural refrigeration storehouse. The land surrounding the cave passed through the Lively and Crump families. It was sporadically exhibited to travelers on the Stagecoach Trail and the early "Pike" which passed at the foot of cave hill.
In the 1890s a commercial concern was formed to mine the cave onyx but financial distress of the company prevented wholesale destruction of the cave's decorations.
In 1921 the properly was purchased by Dr. H.B. Thomas of Horse Cave Ky. a retired dental surgeon who undertook the first modernization of the trails and installed the first electric lighting system and modern deep water supply.
Visitors are recorded from every country.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Natural Features. A significant historical year for this entry is 1799.
Location. 37° 12.316′ N, 85° 55.94′ W. Marker is in Horse Cave, Kentucky, in Hart County. It can be reached from Kentucky Route 335 north of Route 218. Located on the grounds of the Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo which offer cave tours. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3627 KY-335, Horse Cave KY 42749, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Kentucky’s Mammoth Cave Country and in the Pennyroyal Region. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Unknown Confederate Soldier Monument (approx. 0.8 miles away); Lt. Charles Moran - USAF (approx. 2.2 miles away); Texas Memorial (approx. 3½ miles away); The Texas Rangers (approx. 3½ miles away); Rowlett's Station (approx. 3.7 miles away); Battle of Rowletts Station (approx. 3.9 miles away); a different marker also named Battle of Rowletts Station (approx. 4 miles away); Battle of Munfordville (approx. 4.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Horse Cave.
Photographed by Richard Hawkins, July 11, 2025
2. Kentucky Caverns Marker
Photographed by Richard Hawkins, July 11, 2025
3. Kentucky Caverns Marker
Photographed by Richard Hawkins, July 11, 2025
4. Kentucky Caverns Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on July 13, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 5, 2022, by Jason Armstrong of Talihina, Oklahoma. This page has been viewed 574 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 5, 2022, by Jason Armstrong of Talihina, Oklahoma. 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 11, 2025, by Richard Hawkins of Phelan, California. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A wide shot of the marker and its surroundings. • Can you help?
