Luray in Page County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Luray Caverns
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, August 13, 2021
1. Luray Caverns Marker
(front)
Andrew Campbell, feeling the cool air of newly found natural wonder Luray Caverns, is shown here very shortly after this "discovery of the century" was made. Photo was most likely taken by co-discoverer Benton Stebbins.
August 13th, 1878
Has been designated a
Registered
Natural Landmark
This site possesses exceptional value
as an illustration of the nation’s natural
heritage and contributes to a better
understanding of man's environment
1974
National Park Service
United States Department of the Interior
Luray Cavern
"In Xanadu did Kubla Khan
A stately pleasure-dome decree:
Where Alph, the sacred river, ran
Through caverns measureless to man
Down to a sunless sea."
Samuel Taylor Coleridge
c. 1798
Erected by National Park Service United States Department of the Interior.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Landmarks • Natural Features. In addition, it is included in the National Natural Landmarks series list. A significant historical date for this entry is August 13, 1878.
Location. 38° 39.844′ N, 78° 29.035′
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); The Luray Valley Museum (about 700 feet away); The World's First Bluegrass Festival (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Luray.
Also see . . . Luray Caverns In Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. 39 years ago, in August of 1878, Luray Caverns were first discovered. The New York Herald reported a “thousand candles illuminated the antechambers making it nearly as bright as day.” Sounds magical, doesn’t it? You won’t need a time machine to experience the enchantment. Join our annual Discovery Day celebration and take a special Grand Illumination Tour, where guides dressed in period costumes lead you through candlelit sections of the caverns and tell about the discovery
Photographed By Bradley Owen, August 15, 2023
2. Luray Caverns Marker
Photographed By Bradley Owen, August 15, 2023
3. Luray Caverns Marker (Rear View)
Photographed By Sandra Hughes, December 19, 2012
4. Luray Caverns
Credits. This page was last revised on August 15, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 2, 2017, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 455 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 17, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 2, 3. submitted on August 15, 2023, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. 4. submitted on August 2, 2017, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
