Uncommon History - Mammoth Cave - Season #4 - Ep #4

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Uncommon History Season #4 - Ep #4

 

In 1838, when Stephen Bishop, an African American man held in slavery, arrived at Mammoth Cave, the cavern was a nascent attraction for tourists, scholars, and the curious. Upon the cave's purchase by Franklin Gorin, Bishop was appointed as a guide. However, his responsibilities extended beyond escorting visitors along established tourist paths as he explored uncharted passages within the cave.

Bishop commenced his guiding duties during his teenage years and absorbed knowledge and narratives from those he accompanied through the cavern. Gorin later attested that Bishop was a "self-educated man" with remarkable qualities, a brilliant intellect, a keen sense of humor, and proficiency in Latin, Greek, and geology. However, his most significant talent lies in his understanding of human nature. Bishop's exceptional abilities earned him the admiration of scholars and geology professors, who spoke highly of his expertise in the field.

When Dr. John Croghan acquired the cave property in 1839, Bishop was among the guides retained to continue conducting tours. Over the subsequent years, Bishop witnessed numerous new discoveries within Mammoth Cave. His successful traversal of an obstacle known as the Bottomless Pit, together with a visitor, opened up miles of unexplored passages in the labyrinthine cavern. Bishop is credited with discovering renowned areas such as the Mammoth Dome and the Ruins of Karnak.

In 1842, during a visit to Dr. Croghan's estate, Locust Grove, in Louisville, Kentucky, Bishop created a map from memory, documenting the explored passages of the cave. The map, credited to Bishop, was subsequently published in the book "Rambles in the Mammoth Cave During the Year 1844 by a Visitor."

Bishop's profound knowledge and extraordinary memory impressed one visitor, who remarked, "His profession has acquainted him with numerous intellectual and scientific individuals, and due to his remarkable perception and prodigious memory, he has greatly benefited from his interactions with brilliant minds. He can recall every person who has ever visited the cave and has an extensive vocabulary in geology and mineralogy."

UNCOMMON HISTORY PODCAST

Welcome to the Uncommon History Podcast! In this episode, we'll be exploring the intriguing world of paranormal investigation with Kevin Otto, a filmmaker, cohost of Haunted Discoveries, and director of production for Stargazer Films.

Kevin's interests extend beyond the world of film and television.