The Signature of Slavery at Mammoth Cave Book

[L Roebuck]

Mammoth Cave official sheds light on slaves' history at park

Although long gone, the subjects of an award-winning author's book - slaves who gave tours at Mammoth Cave National Park in the 1800s - have left an indelible impression on her. Joy Medley Lyons hopes her descriptions of them in “Making Their Mark: The Signature of Slavery at Mammoth Cave” will do the same for others. It recounts the lives of young men who were bound to the cave during its more than 125 years of private ownership.

The cave and surrounding grounds weren't authorized as a national park until 1926, and only fully established in 1941.

“For a little while, you make them breathe again,” she said, explaining what drew her to “get the story out” about a “group that deserves credit.”

Last month, Lyons, 49, received the Award of Merit for Publication by the Kentucky Historical Society.

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[Brian Roebuck]

That's an interesting and worthwhile story Lynn. Good find. One of these days we ought to go up to Mammoth and do a tour or two. Have any of our other forum members been there?

[scoon1]

I've been there twice but only on the commercial tour. Once when I was 8 or 9 and again in my late 20's. I would love to go on a "Signature tour" if they every offer one.