Grottoes in Rockingham County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Grand Caverns
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 12, 2024
1. Grand Caverns Marker
has been designated a
National
Natural Landmark
This site possesses exceptional value
as an illustration of the Nation's natural
heritage and contributes to a better
understanding of the environment
1973
National Park Service
United States Department of the Interior
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Landmarks • Natural Features • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the National Natural Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1804.
Location. 38° 15.544′ N, 78° 50.088′ W. Marker is in Grottoes, Virginia, in Rockingham County. It is on Grand Caverns Road 0.2 miles west of Dogwood Avenue (South River Road) (Virginia Route 825), on the right when traveling west. The marker is mounted on a rock stanchion located near the museum and caverns entrance. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5 Grand Caverns Road, Grottoes VA 24441, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Civil War Tourism Attraction (a few steps from this marker); Grand Caverns Inn (within shouting distance of this marker); George Caleb Bingham (approx. half a mile away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.6 miles away); a different marker also named Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.6 miles away); Port Republic Foundry (approx. 2½ miles away); Madison Hall (approx. 2½ miles away); Riverside Graveyard (approx. 2.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grottoes.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Grand Caverns
Also see . . .
1. Grand Caverns History. Excerpt:
Grand Caverns was discovered in 1804 by Bernard (Barnette) Weyer while trying to retrieve one of(Submitted on May 25, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)his traps. Weyers Cave opened for tours in 1806, making it the oldest continually operating show cave in the U.S. The caverns were also called the Grottoes of the Shenandoah until named Grand Caverns in 1926. Grand Caverns was declared a National Natural Landmark in 1973. In 1974 the caverns and surrounding acreage was gifted to the Upper Valley Regional Park Authority by its then owner Gladys Kellow and became known as Grand Caverns Regional Park. On October 1, 2009, the Town of Grottoes took possession of its namesake caverns, and consequently, the UVRPA dissolved.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 12, 20242. Grand Caverns Marker
2. Grand Caverns (Wikipedia). Excerpt:
During the Civil War and the Valley Campaign, the cave was visited by both Confederate and Union soldiers. During their visits, over 230 soldiers signed their names on the cave's walls. One noted signature is that of W.W. Miles, signed on September 26, 1864. Once, Confederate General Stonewall Jackson was apparently camped near Port Republic and allowed his soldiers to visit the caverns.(Submitted on May 25, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 12, 2024
3. Grand Caverns Marker
The marker is mounted on a rock stanchion along the walkway [left side] leading to the museum and caverns entrance.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 12, 2024
4. Grand Caverns Museum and Caverns Entrance
0.1 mile uphill from the marker.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 12, 2024
5. Grand Caverns Park Entrance
Grand Caverns Drive at Dogwood Avenue (South River Road)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 3, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 25, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 397 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on May 25, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
