The Sinister Story Behind This Popular Kentucky Attraction Will Give You Chills
By Andrea Limke|Published August 25, 2017
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Andrea Limke
Author
A Cincinnati native who has lived in Kentucky for over 10 years, Andrea's heart belongs both in the Queen City and the Bluegrass State. After earning an education degree and working in that field for a number of years, Andrea began to pursue her passion for writing over 6 years ago. Since then she has written for a number of print and online publications, as well as published a children's book.
It’s no secret that Mammoth Cave is one of the most popular attractions in Kentucky. It’s also not a secret that the massive cave system is the source of countless ghost stories and historic tales. But one particular story is particularly intriguing and creepy, and you can still find evidence of it in the cave today. Prepare to get the chills as you hear of this sinister story behind the legendary Mammoth Cave.
If you've lived in Kentucky your entire life, then you've likely spent a little time visiting Mammoth Cave.
The system is the longest known in the world and is filled with picturesque landscapes, mystery... and apparently plenty of former visitors who've decided to stick around, long after they've passed on. With a dark cave, comes ghost stories. Some of these are more believable than others, but one particular story is very much true and may have you looking at the cave a little differently during your next visit.
In 1839, Dr. John Croghan purchased a large plot of land that included Mammoth Cave. He had many plans for the cave system including using it as an attraction, but also as a hospital of sorts for Tuberculosis patients.
During this time period, patients were simply told to get some fresh air and light exercise. There was no cure for Tuberculosis, but Dr. Croghan had an idea and it involved his recent purchase.
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He was able to convince several patients that living under the ground, deep in the cave, may cure their life-ending disease.
The photo above shows the remnants of one of these rooms as it looked in 1912. By that point, the hospital experiment had ended. Five patients had died inside the cave and the others passed away shortly after returning above ground.
After returning the cave to its attraction status, Dr. Croghan himself passed away from Tuberculosis in 1849.
He left behind the story of those patients who spent their final days below ground. Today, you can hear accounts from guides and visitors who have heard coughing and murmuring near the site of the hospital.
Although the doctor had good intentions in trying to help these desperate patients, the outcome was rather unfortunate.
You can imagine that those who died in the cave would have rather spent their last moments in the daylight. But today, we willingly head down the stairs and into this popular, historic cave. Why? Because just like them, we are intrigued by what lies beneath and what we may discover for ourselves.
It’s likely that Mammoth Cave will remain one of the most popular – and mysterious – attractions in Kentucky for years to come. Have you explored the longest cave system in the world? Do you have a favorite ghost story from beneath the ground? Share your experience with us in the comments!
And for more spooky spots around Kentucky, check out our Haunted Road Trip article here.
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