» Native American Burial Ground
» Hernando DeSoto & USA's oldest city
» I.W. Wright - Cave's Oldest Grafitti
» First Recorded Cave in US history

First Recorded Cave in US history

First Officially Recorded Cave in USA
After the Revolutionary War and signing of final treaties with Britain in 1783, America experienced several years of severe growth pains in forming its government. Finally, on April 30, 1789, George Washington, Revolutionary War hero, was elected the country's first president. Soon after, Benjamin Hawkins was appointed the United States Agent among the Creeks and General Superintendent of all tribes south of the Ohio River.

In December 1796, he visited the Upper Creek territory and in his report to President Washington described the magnificent beauty of DeSoto Caverns. This report makes DeSoto Caverns the first officially recorded cave in the United States.