This chapter narrates a dramatic cave exploration incident at Sand Cave, where a trapped explorer named Collins sparked a massive rescue effort marked by public frenzy and media attention. Despite extensive efforts, tragedy ensued with the discovery of Collins' body, leading to controversial tourism developments around his remains. The narrative also touches on the establishment of Mammoth Cave National Park and the contributions of the Civilian Conservation Corps amid a backdrop of competition and racial dynamics in the area.
In the 19th century, Kentucky's Mammoth Cave launched an entire, very competitive cave tourism industry in the area, In 1925, Floyd Collins was trapped in the cave system, which was the beginning of the end of the cave wars.
Research:
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- Trowbridge, John. “The Kentucky National Guard and the William Floyd Collins Tragedy at Sand Cave.” 2/10/2021. Kentucky National Guard. https://ky.ng.mil/News/Article/2648067/the-kentucky-national-guard-and-the-william-floyd-collins-tragedy-at-sand-cave/
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