Categories: Sports & Recreation; Outdoor Adventures; History & Heritage
Overview. This national monument is the oldest recorded inhabited cave in the U.S., with evidence of human occupation dating back 10,000 years. Archaeologists discovered the limestone chamber, measuring 210 feet long and 107 feet wide, in 1953. Since the discovery, hundreds of thousands of Native American artifacts have been excavated, including charcoal remains of campfires and human bones buried more than 20 feet below the cave floor. Archaeologists believe that the cave was used as a refuge by ancient tribes in autumn and winter, when food supplies were less plentiful. Through the many layers of artifacts that were unearthed within the cave, archaeologists were also able to trace the development of the culture as it changed from a nomadic lifestyle to an agrarian one. It is believed that by A.D. 500, the tribes no longer needed to use the cave as a shelter because they had established more permanent villages. The monument is located in the city of Bridgeport, so named for a railroad bridge that was used as a Confederate supply route during the Civil War. At the site today, a modern bridge spans the width of the Tennessee River. What to see and do. You can tour the cave or explore 310 acres of surrounding countryside on many hiking and nature trails. Either way, be prepared to stay at least one or two hours. When time and staffing allow, staff members offer demonstrations of prehistoric tools and weapons for larger tour groups. Education programs are also available for school groups; call for reservations. Slide shows, films, and a display of ancient relics are offered in the visitor center and the cave shelter area. In addition to guided tours, visitors can attend presentations about the site's history. Visitor facilities include the information center, and "archaic man," "woodland man," and "Mississippian man" exhibits. The monument is located eight miles outside of Bridgeport. Turn north on County Road 75 to Mount Carmel and turn right on County Road 98 to the Monument entrance.
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