Part 26 here
History of Ruby Falls started with Lookout Mountain Cave that once was located at the base of Lookout Mountain. Stories about passages and chambers of that cave were passed from one generation to the next. Native Americans had knew about that cave, as well as outlaw people used it later. There were many reports about exploration of that cave, the bravest went inside up to 12 miles deep, but without reaching the end.
In 1905, due to geographical limitations, the Southern Railroad Company was forced to construct a tunnel along the face of Lookout Mountain. The tunnel intersected and sealed off the natural entrance to the Lookout Mountain Cave. Leo Lambert, a local cave enthusiast, wanted to open cave for the public. To accomplish that he had an idea to drill an elevator shaft from another point on the mountain to access the cave from the surface above. He found an investor for his ambitious project costed of $12,500 and in fall of 1928 the works began. But in the end of December, 1928, the jackhammer of one of the workers found a void in the rock and felt a gush of area. This void was located at the 260 foot level, still 160 feet above the Lookout Mountain Cave.
After measuring of the opening, Leo found out that it is 18 inches high and five feet wide. He went inside to discover it and was absent for 17 hours. After returning Leo Lambert told everyone that he saw very unusual and beautiful formations and a big waterfall in the end.
Leo Lambert was crawling here
Elephant foot
The only one formation in the cave that we are allowed to touch
Stalactites on the ceiling
This is how the Federal Reserve looses coins
On his next explorations into the cave, Lambert took several people including his wife Ruby. While glazing at the waterfall, Lambert told his wife that he would name it in her honor – “Ruby Falls”.
Donkey
Bacon
Niagara Falls
The works for the opening of the Lookout Mountain Cave were continued, and finally the cave was open for the public again. From 1930 to 1935 the tours were offered for the both caves, but Ruby Fall cave was much more popular, so in 1935 the Lookout Mountain Cave was closed for the public. Since that time Ruby Falls cave was visited by millions of people.
In was very unusual to stay near the foot of the waterfall, being surrounded by the rock. The waterfall was lit and it was so beautiful that people stood there almost speechless. But we were not advised to drink from the pool or waterfall itself – the water contains up to 10% of magnesium, so people who tried that in the past had several very memorable unpleasant moments while seeking the exit from the cave and bathrooms on the surface.
After the cave younger kids went to the obstacle course and Ira with dad went to the zip line that were located near by.
Another thick rain while we drove through Alabama
Bear-like cloud
Part 28 here