Caves of Knoxville and the Great Smoky Mountains

The complete history of the exploration, use and commercial development of fourteen caves in the Knoxville/Great Smoky Mountains area. Includes the history of exploration and mapping by NSS members. Learn about the use of caves in the Knoxville and Great Smoky Mountains area by American Indians. Learn how many of these caves were mined for saltpeter, the main ingredient of gunpowder, during both the War of 1812 and the Civil War. Read the story of the Lost Sea, the largest underground lake in North America, as scuba divers explore its depths. Learn how Gap Cave was discovered in 1750 by Thomas Walker, guardian of young Thomas Jefferson. The complete story of the exploration and commerical development of fourteen Knoxville and Great Smoky Mountain area caves. Read fascinating, never-before-published details of the exploration of these caves.