History
The caverns were discovered on March 27, 1960, by students Orion Knox Jr., Preston Knodell, Al Brandt and Joe Cantu from St. Mary's University in nearby San Antonio. On their first trip into the caverns, the men discovered/explored just over a mile of passage. Subsequent explorations revealed 2 miles associated with what became known as the "North Cavern."
After discovery, Orion Knox Jr. assisted the landowners in obtaining information and suggestions for development. Mrs. Clara Wuest (the landowner), wanted to show the world the cave under her property. Orion approached both the National Park Service and the Texas Park System. While both entities agreed that the cavern was substantial and merited development, both groups told the landowners that funds did not exist for their respective groups to undergo such an endeavor.
Mrs. Wuest then decided that she would fund development. Orion dropped out of school to assist. He also approached Jack Burch who had just finished work on developing the Caverns of Sonora near Sonora, Texas. Jack agreed to help and development began early in 1963. Mrs. Wuest remarried Harry Heidemann, a retired Texas Highway Patrolman in the early 1960s. Together, they started work on developing the cavern. The full-time development crew included Mrs. Wuest-Heidemann, Mr. Heidemann, Jack Burch, Orion Knox, and Reggie Wuest (Mrs. Wuest-Heidemann's son). During excavation of the entrance trail, arrowheads and spearheads dating from 5,000 BC were found. Also, just inside the entrance, a jawbone and femur of a species of black bear that became extinct over 8,000 years ago were discovered. Work on lights and trails continued until opening day, July 3, 1964. The cavern has been opened ever since and is still owned and operated by family members.
Read more about this topic: Natural Bridge Caverns
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