Before the white man came the cave was revered by the indians. In the 18th century saltpeter which was used for the manufacture of gunpowder was found in the cave. During the Civil War the federal troups had a powder mill in the cave which was blown up by Confederate guerrillas. Jesse James was a member of that guerrilla band and later he used the cave as a hideout.
The caverns were opened to the public in 1933 and in 1935 Lester Dill discovered the additional upper levels. There are 26 miles of underground passages. The large room near the opening was used as a ballroom for decades.
The Jungle Room
The Jungle Room with colored lights
The "Stage Curtain"
A ride on the Branson Scenic Railway south into Arkansas.
