Down for a vist to the world's largest cave system? In this episode, we look at the discovery and development of what is now known as the Mammoth–Flint Ridge Cave System, in the US state of Kentucky. These days, it's owned by the federal government and overseen by the National Park Service; but a hundred years ago, caverns and entrances to the system, as well as unconnected caves, were owned by private landholders, small corporations, and a railroad. With American tourists eager to visit, competition for their dollars escalated to lawsuits, sabotage, and deceptive-to-untruthful advertising - and rivalries became so intense that the first quarter of the 20th century is known locally as the Cave Wars. This period culminated in the horrific and extremely public death of cave explorer William Floyd Collins, a tragedy that led to improvements in caver safety, a Pulitzer prize for one of his would-be rescuers, and a painfully long and complicated attempt to find a peaceful resting place for his remains.  

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“Trapped! (Story of Floyd Collins)”, by R. K. Murray and R. W. Brucker

“The Kentucky Cave Wars” by D. R. Kem, 2016

“The Sucker’s Visit to the Mammoth Cave” by R. S. Thompson, 1879

“Human Chain Helps Loosen Prisoner in Kentucky Cave” staff writer, Associated Press article, 1925

“Tragedy at Sand Cave”, staff writer, NPS.gov

“Mammoth Cave National Park”, website, NPS.gov