DUNBAR CAVE STATE PARK ~ Clarksville TN

Dunbar Cave State Park, located in Clarksville, Tennessee. Shot and created 2018
Dunbar Cave State Park is a 110 acre park situated around Dunbar Cave. Dunbar Cave is the 280th largest cave complex in the world, stretching over 8 miles inward. In front of the cave entrance is a large concrete poured structure with three distinct arches.
The entrance to Dunbar Cave was inhabited by local prehistoric peoples for thousands of years before settlers arrived. In the late 1970s a team of archaeologists found artifacts dating back to the Paleo Indian time, which was from 10,000 B.C.-8,000 B.C.
During the Mississippian era, which was from 800 A.D.-1550 A.D., the cave was used by Native Americans for ceremonial purposes.
By 1784 it had been claimed by Thomas Dunbar, who paid for the land but never got the deed. Around 1790, a land surveyor named Robert Nelsen realized this and claimed the land for his own. During the Mexican-American War, the cave was used to mine saltpeter for gunpowder.
In 1858, developers saw the potential in the area, along with nearby Idaho Springs, and the first cabins were built there. After the Civil War, the springs and the cave were acquired by J. A. Tate, who constructed a two-story hotel on the site.
By 1931, the area had hosted numerous social events, including dances, concerts, and fairs.
Dunbar Cave was purchased by Roy Acuff on April 26, 1948 for $150,000. The cave was the site of musical festivities and entertainment shows, which would host big bands like Benny Goodman's and Tommy Dorsey's. Acuff also added a golf course adjacent to the lake. Over time the popularity of the cave and surrounding area declined, and the hotel burned in 1950 and was not rebuilt.
Dunbar Cave was purchased by McKay King in 1963. King operated the Dunbar Cave property until his death in 1971. The swimming pool was closed in 1967. The cave was inherited by his widow.
In 1973, the State of Tennessee purchased Dunbar Cave from Mrs. McKay King, to become a State Natural Area