Caverns on Sonora in Texas

The Caverns of Sonora is located in Sonora, Texas and classified as an active cave. The cave is currently still growing and will continue to do so for years. The cave has no specific group or individual credited to have originally discovered the cave passageways. There have been many myths reported but none of them have been proven. According to a legend, a hunter roaming around on the Mayfield Ranch followed his dog into the cave. Then in the 1920's, a brother and sister found their way into the cave passages. According to the story the siblings explored the cave only by candlelight.

In the 1950's, the Mayfield's had the cave professionals explored and inspected which resulted in 7 miles of cave structure. Currently only two of the miles are shown on tours for security and safety reasons. The cave fully developed in the 1960's and was opened to the public for viewing. In 1991, the cave underwent major restoration by the Annual Restoration Project. The project lifted 194 tons of debris in 2005. The professionals originally prepared the cave to be publicly viewed which helped maintain the structure over the years. (2001, Smyrl). Tourists are not permitted to be near certain areas which may result in contamination.

The Caverns of Sonora first passage ways were approximately formed 500,000 to 1,000,000 years ago. The passages were filled with very slow moving water that began eroding the formation. The structure began deepening as years past and overtime there were a total of four passages formed. Some of the passageways were still enduring flowing water and erosion which caused them to collapse. Geologists believe the collapses may have been when the water pressure cut down the formation further or the ceiling caved in. The water table is currently located 130 feet below the passageways. (2007, Sonora). The cave is generally 71 degrees with 98 percent humidity. Tourism of the cave includes; Sluicing, camping, relaxation, trail walks, and much more. The cave was declared a National Natural Landmark in 1965. (2007, Sonora).

The Caverns of Sonora was unfortunately vandalized in 2006 by an unknown guest. The owners and management teams found the natural butterfly feature to be almost completely destroyed. The Restoration Association is hoping very much to attempt and restore what was lost but realize it was a natural and beautiful piece that will never be the same again. (2007, Duckeck). It took thousands of years for this beautiful cave to form and hopefully as time goes on it will continue to bring even more beautiful sights. (2006, Vandalism).

References
Duckeck, J. (2007). Caverns of Sonora. Show Caves. Retrieved March 10, 2007 from http://www.showcaves.com/english/usa/showcaves/Sonora.html
Smyrl, V. (2001). Caverns of Sonora. The Handbook of Texas Online. Retrieved March 11, 2007 from http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/articles/CC/rqcsr.html
Sonora. (2007). Caverns of Sonora. Retrieved March 10, 2007 from http://www.cavernsofsonora.com
Vandalism. (2006). Caverns of Sonora Vandalized. Wild Texas News. Retrieved March 11, 2007 from http://wildtexas.com/talk/archive/index.php?t-1414.html