Caves of Knoxville and the Great Smoky Mountains

Caves of Knoxville and the Great Smoky Mountains

by Larry E. Matthews

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About
This book describes fourteen (14) caves in East Tennesse that are either currently open to the public as commercial caves or were open to the public at some time in the past. This historical account begins with the discovery of Gap Cave, in Cumberland Gap, by Dr. Thomas Walker on April 13, 1750. Walker was the personal physician of Thomas Jeffereson's father and was Jefferson's guardian after his death. Daniel Boone visited thi cave in1775. Gap Cave is currently open to the public and is inside Cumberland Gap National Park. The other thirteen caves also have fascinating histories.

Discussion questions for Caves of Knoxville and the Great Smoky Mountains

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  1. 1

    How does Larry E. Matthews weave the human history of East Tennessee—from early explorers like Dr. Thomas Walker and Daniel Boone to modern tourists—into the natural history of the region's caves?

  2. 2

    Given that many of the fourteen caves featured in the book transitioned from wild underground spaces to commercial attractions, how do you think our relationship with nature changes when we commercialize or "tame" it?

  3. 3

    The book highlights caves visited by historical figures like Thomas Jefferson's guardian and Daniel Boone; how does knowing that famous figures walked the same subterranean paths shift your perspective on early American history?

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