Tory's Cave (New Milford, Connecticut) facts for kids
Tory Cave, also known as Tory's Cave, is a special natural cave located near New Milford, Connecticut. It's a type of cave called a solutional cave, which means it formed over a very long time as water dissolved rock, in this case, marble.
Even though it's not huge – its main room can fit about 24 people – many say it's the only real cave in all of Connecticut. To keep the bat colonies living there safe, the cave is currently closed to visitors.
What's in a Name?
The name "Tory Cave" comes from an old story from the American Revolution. During this war, some people in America stayed loyal to the King of England. These people were called "Loyalists" or "Tories." The story says that one of these Tories hid inside this very cave to escape danger.
Where is Tory Cave?
This interesting cave is found close to the Housatonic River. The river is a major natural feature in the area, and the cave is part of the beautiful landscape around it.
Protecting the Cave's Unique Life
Tory Cave is home to some very special creatures. One of them is a tiny, blind, shrimp-like animal called a Stygobromus. This creature is an amphipod, which means it's a small crustacean that lives in water. These animals are very sensitive to changes in their environment.
In 1996, there were worries that the cave's unique environment and the creatures living in it were at risk. This was because of blasting happening at a nearby rock quarry. Protecting places like Tory Cave helps keep these rare animals safe for the future.
