San Marcos in Hays County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Wonder Cave

Photographed By Richard Denney, March 14, 2012

1. Wonder Cave Marker

Inscription. In Balcones Fault, created by prehistoric earth shift. Said to have been campsite of Indians and Spaniards, especially priests who planted anaqua trees in area. By legend, robber gangs in 1820s cached Camino Real booty here.

Discovered 1893 for Anglo-Texas by Mark A. and Elizabeth Burleson Bevers, after water well drill fell 158 feet at their home here.

This became first commercially opened cave in state about 1900 when W. S. Davis gave guided tours by candlelight; bought in 1916 for $50 and a gray horse by A. B. Rogers, who spent his lifetime in discovery and development.

Erected 1972 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 10338.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Natural Features. In addition, it is included in the El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1893.

Location. 29° 52.648′ N, 97° 57.414′ W. Marker is in San Marcos, Texas, in Hays County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Prospect Street and Allen Street, on the right when traveling north. Located in the parking lot of Wonder World Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1000 Prospect Street, San Marcos TX 78666, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking

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distance of this marker. James Lafayette and Eliza Pitts Malone House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Belvin Street Historic District (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lloyd Gideon Johnson House (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Belvin Street Historic District (approx. ¼ mile away); J. H. and Abbie Barbee House (approx. ¼ mile away); Augusta Hofheinz House (approx. ¼ mile away); Kone-Yarbrough House (approx. 0.3 miles away); John F. McGehee Home (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Marcos.

Also see . . .
1. El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail. The "Camino Real" referenced on the marker is part of El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail. (Submitted on March 14, 2012, by Richard Denney of Austin, Texas.)

2. Wonder World Park. (Submitted on March 15, 2012, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.)
3. Wonder Cave. The Handbook of Texas Online, Texas State Historical Association (Submitted on March 15, 2012, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.)

Additional commentary.
1. El Camino De Nacogdoches
The marker for El Camino De Nacogdoches, approximately 4 miles from here, is an alternate trail, parallel trail, but part of the same El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail.

Wonder Cave Marker, in context image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Richard Denney, March 14, 2012

2. Wonder Cave Marker, in context

Marker is located over original bore hole where cave was discovered searching for water.

— Submitted March 14, 2012, by Richard Denney of Austin, Texas.

Ventilation shaft for cave image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Richard Denney, March 14, 2012

3. Ventilation shaft for cave

Interior photo image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Richard Denney, March 14, 2012

4. Interior photo

View of surrounding area from parks' observation tower image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Richard Denney, March 14, 2012

5. View of surrounding area from parks' observation tower

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on March 14, 2012, by Richard Denney of Austin, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,091 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on March 14, 2012, by Richard Denney of Austin, Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.