DESOTO CAVERNS

STORY BY BRITTANY SMITH & PHOTOS BY AUDRA SPEARS

Alabama is a treasure trove of untapped potential when taking to the open road on an adventure. On the one hand, there is an abundance of waterfalls surrounded by mountainous terrain located all over the great state. There are also cool, cozy little towns with great food and unique art galleries or boutiques that give way to whitewater rapids or giant lakes. On the other hand, large, bustling cities steeped in rich and fascinating Southern tradition and history ache for exploration. Those same bustling cities harbor hidden art districts or host an array of enchanting excursions for visitors to explore. But also, both quaint and quick beach towns offer a multitude of attractions in hopes that daytrippers would drift like a breeze off the ocean, right into their tiki hut, seafood restaurant or tattoo parlor. The possibilities are literally limitless as to where to go and what to do for those looking to take a day trip in Alabama.

Just a short drive from Tallapoosa County, nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Childersburg, lays Alabama’s big cave, the DeSoto Cavern. Spanning more than the length of a football field and at least 12 stories tall, the first room in the cavern is touted as the Kymulga Cathedral or Healing All Cathedral. The enormous space, draped in onyx-marble stalagmites and stalactites, has excellent air quality. It is believed that the onyx-marble aerates the area purifying the air, which gives way to its conspicuous healing properties.

Animals, such as the Mastadon, that was recovered on an archeological dig in 1965 and stories of a black panther that the Creek Indians called Itsi-pap or human eater, once called Kymulga Onyx Cave home. Even the great explorer Hernando DeSoto and his men resided within the Kymulga Cathedral for a short period during their exhibitions through Central Alabama.

And while the history of the cave steeps in the memory of many rich, organic events, it was in 1910 that a group of investors purchased the land to mine the onyx-marble that can still be found in the cave today; however, the opportunity fell flat when Mexican–mined onyx became available for a substantially lower out-of-pocket-price, and the group could no longer compete with the low prices.

After the mining exhi- Day Trippin' bition fell apart, the cave Left: Desoto Caverns sat dormant for years contains many formations, until Ira Mathis, one of the original investors, managed to purchase the shares that she didn’t ranging from stalactite, stalagmite and column, to the more rare formations of the Caverns flowstone, draperies, helictites and already own and secured cave bacon; Top Right: all subsurface rights to Light shows are given during the property and sur- cave tours; The visitors center rounding areas. Mathis, welcomes guests. a nationally recognized expert of farm economics, felt that the land had a deeper meaning than simply monetary value. She allowed people

to come in and explore the cave. It is said that these explorations lasted for nearly four decades; however, before Mathis opened up the cave to exploratory missions, there were rumors about an illegal speakeasy that found its home in the cavern in the 1920s. As the stories go, the cave was turned into a bar and became known as The Bloody Bucket because of shootings and fights that took place in the heart of Kymulga Cathedral.

Allegedly, people also used the underground tunnels to run moonshine from within the cavern all the way to Talladega (after all, Nascar was founded in Alabama because of moanshine rings). But at some point, federal agents busted the joint, and The Bloody Bucket ceased from existence. Cave explorations resumed. And then finally, in the 1960s, Mathis’ great-grandson, Allen W. Mathis III, alongside Fred Layton, had grand ideas for the cavern – they would turn the Kymulga Onyx Cave into a show cave.

Despite the fact that Mathis never intended the cave to be used for its monetary value, the first light shows were installed, and people came from all over to watch the natural essence of the onyxmarble formations

Awe Inspiring

Clockwise from Left: There was once an underground speakeasy; The tour is full of hidden Easter eggs; Healing All Cathedral room, which boasts an impressive height of 120feet tall and is longer than a football field; Native Americans describe the mainroom as having calming and healing properties.

shimmer and sway throughout the cave. Eventually, the cathedral area had to be widened to fit the crowds, and portions of the caverns that the public had not been privy to in the past became part of a cavern tour open to the public.

In 1975, Allen changed the cave’s name from Kymulga Onyx Cave to DeSoto Caverns after the late, great Hernando DeSoto. His exploration was the first documented European expedition in the Southern states.

It is said that despite spending five weeks in the hospitality of the Chief of the Coosa Indian tribe, DeSoto still held the chief captive within the cave. At the same time, his men captured members of the tribe and took them as slaves upon their departure. One can only wonder if this has anything to do with the five bodies that are discretely buried within the cavern.

Not long after the name was changed, DeSoto Caverns was added to the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage.

Today, the DeSoto Caverns is a place for families to escape, and offers an opportunity that will both delight senses and make for a trip that will not soon be forgotten. The property is now a fully operating Christian-minded adventure park, in addition to what is offered with the cave tours. The cave tour has become more innovative and dynamic than ever, giving way to one of the best light, laser and water shows in the country today.

Families come from all over to visit the caverns, but they stay to play when they realize that there is fun for the whole family at DeSoto Caverns. Some of the attractions include go-carts, the lost trail maze, gemstone mining, shooting bow and arrows, participating in water ball battles, playing wacky water golf and of course, wall climbing.

But that is not all. There are also several amusement-parktype rides and a splash pad, the Destiny Express Train and Foam Falls, plus so much more.

The entertainment is never lacking either. Families can watch and participate in the character quest throughout the park or enjoy forge demonstrations, magic shows and fire and ring juggling.

And no worries about food because there is a café that serves up delicious hormone-free food and ethically sourced coffee. There is also a gift shop that is home to gemstones and jewelry and an array of other unique items.

There is even an overnight option where groups can stay and sleep in the Healing All Cathedral. If visitors choose this option, they will attend an extended tour that can only be completed by lantern light. Imagine falling asleep in a cavern that holds so much incredible history. One can only dream of what those days were truly like, and perhaps sleeping there would make those dreams possible, as the air is much purer and sleep comes easier.

Whether people come to learn about the rich, organic history steeped into the walls and floors of the Kymulga Cathedral or they come to watch magic tricks and eat tasty treats, it is most certain that a day well spent is a day spent at DeSoto Caverns.

History Abounds

Left: There is a waterfall in the cave; Prehistoric Native Americans once called the caverns their home; Graffiti from IW Wright dates back to 1723.

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