Luray in Page County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Luray Caverns Discovery
August 13, 1878
Near this spot, Andrew Campbell feeling the cool air of newly found natural wonder Luray Cavners, is shown here very shortly after his "Discovery of the Century" was made. Photo was most likely taken by co-discoverer, Benton Stebbins.
"In Xanadu did Kubla Khan
A stately pleasure-dome decree:
Where Alph, the sacred river ran
Though caverns measureless to man
Down to a sunless sea."
Samuel Taylor Coleridge
c. 1798
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Natural Features. A significant historical year for this entry is 1798.
Location. 38° 39.844′ N, 78° 29.03′ W. Marker is in Luray, Virginia, in Page County. It can be reached from Cave Hill Road west of Lee Highway (U.S. 211/340), on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 101 Cave Hill Rd, Luray VA 22835, 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. Globally, it is
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Beautiful Caverns of Luray (a few steps from this marker); Car & Carriage Caravan Museum (within shouting distance of this marker); Luray Caverns Virginia (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Luray Caverns (about 300 feet away); Luray (about 300 feet away); Shenandoah At War (about 300 feet away); Shenandoah Heritage Village/Luray Valley Museum (about 700 feet away); 1901 A.B. Farquhar Company Threshing Steam Engine (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Luray.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Luray Caverns (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Credits. This page was last revised on July 10, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 10, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 2 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 10, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
