Durham's main business was an iron furnace. First built around 1698, the furnace supplied chain and shot for the Revolution. Iron ore was taken from the mine to the furnace and smelted.
In 1908, the furnace finally shut down, but the nearby cave began a new life as a tourist attraction.
Durham Cave became widely known on the East Coast. It had three large rooms that would amaze visitors. They measured about 90 x 20 x 20 feet high.
According to legend, one of the rooms, known as the Queen Esther's Drawing Room, was once an indian palace room.
Eventually, the cave closed as a tourist attraction. Most of the limestone deposits were dug out of the cave for fertilizer. This left the cave virtually destroyed. Most of what was left was then considered dangerous and was demolished.
Now, some of the furnace buildings have been restored, but the cave has been all but lost to the general public.
I first heard of the Durham Cave about 20 years ago. I've been trying to locate it since, and finally, after 20 years of wondering where it is, I've found it.
From what I understand, what is left is only a small portion of the original cave. I heard there is another room to be found, but it is a difficult and treacherous climb. And I'm not even sure it actually exists. It's probably best left to 'cavers'.
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| First View of the Cave | At the Entrance | Looking Around |
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| Exploring an Opening | Exploring an Opening 2 | Posing for the Camera |
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| From the Inside | Taking a Break | Happy with Our Find |
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| After the Hike | After the Hike |