Mammoth Cave by Magnesium Light

Collection Items

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  Mammoth Cave Views, No. 42 "The Last Rose of Summer."

  The verso of this stereocard reads: "This is one of the most beautiful gypsum formations in the cave. It is eight inches in diameter and of snowy whiteness. The distance from the entrance to this point in 'Cleveland Cabinet' is 7 1/2 miles and from here to the end of the 'Long Route' 1 1/2 miles."
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  Hanging Rocks

  The verso of this stereocard reads: "Are in the 'Pass of El Ghor' about a mile from 'Ole Bull's concert room.' Visitors experience much uneasiness in passing under these rocks, as they seem to be on the point of tumbling down on their heads, but since the discovery of the cave, no rocks have been known to fall in any part of it."
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  "Ole Bull's Concert Room" at Mammoth Cave

  The verso of this stereocard reads: "Is a mile and a half beyond 'Echo River' and five miles from the entrance. It is at the end of 'Silliman's Avenue.' The black gorge to the right is the entrance to the 'Pass of El Ghor.' It is believed that the celebrated Norwegian violinist Ole Bornemann Bull performed in this room during his visit to the cave."
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  Cliffs over the Dead Sea at Mammoth Cave

  The verso of this stereocard reads: "The Dead Sea is a black ominous looking body of water, about 40 feet below the terrace on which the three persons in the picture are standing. Visitors pass along the terrace and descend the ladder on their way to the river. The sea lies below the foot of the rock over which the parties in the view are looking."
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  Corinthian Columns

  The verso of this stereocard reads: "These columns are at the furthest extremity of the Mammoth Dome and resemble the broken columns or the Acropolis of Athens and Corinth."
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  Pillars in 'Mammoth Dome'

  The verso of this stereocard reads: "The Mammoth Dome is one of the largest in the world. It is 250 feet in height and of immense size. Those pillars are of colossal dimensions and standing beneath them one would imagine themselves amid the ruins of some Egyptian temple."
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  Bandit Hall

  The verso of this stereocard reads: "Is immediately above 'Bacon Chamber' and at the commencement of Spark's Avenue which leads to 'Mammoth Dome.' Several unexplored avenues branch off here in every direction. The scene represents a party of 'bandits' at dinner and as reviewed by the magnesium light exceeded in romantic wildness the most extravagant conceptions of Salvator Rosa."
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  Bacon Chamber

  The verso of this stereocard reads: "Is situated to the right of 'River Hall' which is entered from 'Great Relief.' The curious projections from the roof resembling pieces of bacon, are caused by the action of water at a period when the chamber was completely filled with water. It is one of the best views taken in the cave."
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  Scotchman's Trap

  The verso of this stereocard reads: "Is on the road to the river, about 500 yards beyond the 'Bottomless Pit.' The trap is a small circular opening through which it is necessary to descent a few steps to go toward the river. Over this narrow opening is suspended a huge rock many tons in weight, which, if it fell would completely close up the avenue leading to the 'Echo River.' The guide in the picture is standing at the head of the steps."
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  Angelica's Grotto [with little girl resting in Angelica's couch]

  The verso of this stereocard reads: "Is also in 'Pensacola Avenue.' The little girl in the picture is resting on 'Angelica's Couch' over the foot of which hangs the 'Pine Apple Bush,' a curious looking rock."
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  Grand Crossing at Mammoth Cave

  The verso of this stereocard reads: "Is in 'Pensacola Avenue.' Here four large avenues branch off from the main one. The rocks here are completely covered with the names of visitors scratched on them. Grand Crossing is about two miles and a quarter from the entrance."
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  Snowball Archway at Mammoth Cave

  The verso of this stereocard reads: "Is also in 'Pensacola Avenue.' The ceiling of white gypsum looks as if it was covered with snow and presents a most beautiful appearance. Symmetry of the natural buttresses which project from the side of the cliff is also striking and interesting."
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  Beyond the "Bridge of Sighs"

  The verso of this stereocard reads: "This view represents two of the guides, just having crossed the bridge towards 'Reveler's Hall.' They are facing the 'Bottomless Pit,' overhanging which is the rock in the foreground."
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  "Bottomless Pit" and "Bridge of Sighs"

  The verso of this stereocard reads: "Are on the main route to 'Echo River' and a mile and a half from the entrance. The pit is of an immense depth and over it is thrown a substantial wooden bridge, across which visitors pass in the long route and towards 'Pensacola Avenue.' The pit presents a sight of awful sublimity when its steep sides are lighted up by the guide."
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  Mammoth Cave Guide in the Deserted chamber

  The verso of this stereocard reads: "Is a dreary looking room about 100 feet in length. The guide in the picture is entering the chamber from the narrow passage beneath the 'Giant's Coffin.' In 'Wooden Bowl Chamber' adjoining this apartment, a curious looking Indian bowl was found. The Indianas used long reeds filled with deer's fat as torches to guide them through the cave."
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  Entrance to "Long Route" at Mammoth Cave

  The verso of this stereocard reads: "Is on the left of 'Giant's Coffin' and so narrow and low that visitors have to stoop almost to the ground in passing through it. On the right may be seen the end of 'Giant's Coffin.' By some it is supposed that the water receded from the main cave through this passage."
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  Gothic Chapel of Mammoth Cave

  The verso of this stereocard reads: "A mile from the entrance, is a large room, from the ceiling of which hang gigantic stalactites extending to the floor. It is represented here as it appeared when lighted up with magnesium light, the glare of which may be seen behind the column on the right."
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  Mammoth Cave Views, No. 6 "Mouth of the Cave"

  The verso of this stereocard reads: "This view introduces three well known guides. The one on the right is old 'Mat,' an African American man who has acted in the capacity of guide for the last thirty years."
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  Path leading to the mouth of cave

  The verso of this stereocard reads: "Is about a quarter of a mile in length extending from the Hotel through a gorge in a dense wood. Visitors generally supply themselves with stout brances from the trees to assist themselves in their explorations of the rugged paths of the cave."
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  Cave Hotel, 1866

  The verso of this stereocard reads: "Is a large and commodious establishment, capable of entertaining 500 guests. It is constructed on the cottage plan and the rooms are furnished in a style equal to any first class hotel. It is the beau ideal of a fashionable summer resort in the South. A magnificent ball room is attached to the Hotel."