Seneca Caverns (West Virginia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Seneca Caverns |
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Fairyland in Seneca Caverns
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| Location | Riverton, West Virginia |
| Depth | Unknown |
| Length | Unknown |
| Discovery | 1770's or 1780's |
| Geology | Limestone |
| Entrances | Two, and a separate cave called Stratosphere Cave on the property. |
| Access | Fee |
| Translation | Statosphere Balloon Cave |
Seneca Caverns is a cool underground cave in Germany Valley near Riverton, West Virginia, USA. It's a type of cave called a karst cave, which means it formed in rock that dissolves easily, like limestone. This cave is also a "show cave," which means it's open for people to visit and explore!
People believe that the Seneca Indians, a Native American tribe, used this cave for special ceremonies a long time ago. The cave has been open to the public since 1930. One of the most amazing parts inside is the Teter Hall. This huge room is about 60 feet tall and 60 feet wide in some places. Imagine how big that is!
History of the Caverns
The land around Seneca Caverns was bought in the 1770s by a settler named Phillip Teter. He might have been the first person to go into the cave. He was looking for water for his animals.
The first time someone wrote about exploring the cave was in 1781. This was done by a person named Francis Asbury. The Teter family owned the land for a very long time.
Opening to the Public
In 1928, the Harman family bought the property. They started getting the cave ready for visitors. By 1930, Seneca Caverns was officially open to the public as a show cave. This meant people could come and see its amazing underground formations. Later, in 1984, a company called Greer Limestone bought the property.
Exploring the Cave
Seneca Caverns has many interesting features. As you walk through, you can see different rock formations. These formations are created over thousands of years by water dripping and leaving behind minerals.
The cave has two main entrances. There's also another cave on the property called Stratosphere Cave. Visiting Seneca Caverns is a great way to learn about geology and see the natural beauty hidden underground.
Gallery
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'Castle on the Rhine'
