Caves

Graham Cave

Posted at October 19, 2006 16:02

THE ICE AGE was just ending, and the woolly mammoths were becoming extinct as early inhabitants of what would become Missouri used spears to hunt food. Some of those early hunters gathered at Graham Cave.

“Just beyond the entrance to the large sheltered bluff is one of the best records of early human occupation in the state,” says Debra Ray, park superintendent at Missouri’s Graham Cave State Park. When the University of Missouri and the Missouri Archaeological Society excavated the cave between 1949 and 1955, radiocarbon determined arrowheads, pottery, and grinding utensils to be ten thousand years old.

“The age and significance of the material uncovered resulted in this site being the first archaeological location in the United States to be designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961,” Debra says. “Although the interior of the cave is closed to preserve the area for future excavation, visitors standing in front of the 120-foot-wide entrance can see some interesting results of the archaeologists’ work,” Debra says. “The most impressive is a series of large stones around the larger stone. This was possibly an ancient ceremonial location.” Before archaeologists excavated, dust blown into the cave entrance and sand dropped from the ceiling concealed most evidence of humanity under feet of dirt. Metal signage details, archaeological methods, and use of the white excavation markers remain visible. A small exhibit in the park visitor’s center contains an excellent selection of spear points in a variety of sizes and other tools made out of bone and antlers found on site. Also on display is a “nutting stone” with several round indentations. Nuts were placed upon it, and another stone pushed against it, which broke several nuts open at once.

“We also have 356 acres with over five miles of hiking and mountain biking trails and boat access to the Loutre River,” Debra says. “The trails pass through some of the most beautiful sandstone and limestone glades in the state.”

The picturesque rocks and ledges in the park are covered with lichens, mosses, and ferns. Fence lizards and lichen grasshoppers are frequently seen. Flowers include the Missouri brown-eyed Susan, rose verbena, adders-tongue fern, and prickly pear cactus. “Playgrounds, picnic sites, wooded camping areas with electricity, restrooms, and hot showers combine with nature to make this a perfect spot for an educational and outdoors experience,” she adds. The park’s existence is due to the generosity of the Graham family. Robert Graham settled the area in 1816, buying property from Daniel Morgan Boone. The University of Missouri became interested after family descendants donated artifacts to the school. In 1964, Frances Graham Darnell donated the land to the Department of Natural Resources’ Division of State Parks.

Graham Cave State Park is about two miles off Interstate 70 at the Danville/Montgomery City exit (#170). Go north to Route TT and turn left. The park entrance is at 217 Route TT. For more information, call 573-564-3476 or visit www.mostateparks.com/grahamcave.htm

Email this Article