The History of Meramec Caverns in Missouri

Join Dave on his adventure through the fascinating Meramec Caverns in this captivating episode of "View Master Travels"! As a collector of vintage view-master reels, Dave has embarked on a mission to explore the present-day locations featured in these 3D time capsules from the past. In this video, Dave takes us along as he explores the renowned Meramec Caverns, armed with a more modern 1971 view-master set he acquired from eBay.

Meramec Caverns holds a significant place in the history of the view-master format. Dave shares the intriguing story of how William Gruber, using two cameras to capture 3D images, met Harold Graves, the president of Sawyer's Inc., resulting in the invention of the iconic view-master format during their encounter at the Oregon Caves. With this historical background, Dave dives into the tour of Meramec Caverns, which takes him through various locations depicted in the view-master reels.

The adventure begins with a glimpse of the scenic Meramec River, which runs 218 miles through Missouri, offering breathtaking views and playing a significant role in the formation of the cave system. Dave takes us to the building entrance of the cave, which, although not much has changed, was once a prominent roadside attraction on Route 66 in Missouri. The tour continues as Dave shares the captivating history of the cave, from its discovery by the French in 1722 to its various uses throughout the years, including mining saltpeter and serving as a popular dance hall during the summer "cave parties" craze.

Delving into the legends surrounding the caves, Dave showcases the "Moonshiners Cabin" and highlights its claim to fame as the supposed hideout of the notorious Jesse James. Exploring the fascinating history of Jesse James, a Confederate guerrilla turned outlaw, Dave sheds light on the stories and controversies surrounding his connection to Meramec Caverns. As the tour progresses, Dave uncovers the impressive stalactite formations in the "Formations of Jungle Room," providing a glimpse into the cave's natural wonders.

The history takes a surprising turn as Dave uncovers the story of J. Frank Dalton, who claimed to be the real Jesse James and resurfaced in Lawton, Oklahoma, in 1948. The cave's owners seized the opportunity to promote the cave by inviting Dalton to Meramec Caverns and organizing a grand celebration around him. The promotional campaign attracted attention and even led to the publication of a book, "The Truth About Jesse James," by Phyllis Argall. Dave takes us through this intriguing chapter, exploring the connections, controversies, and the allure of the supposed hideout.

Throughout the video, Dave's journey showcases the cave's remarkable features, such as the "Mirror River," which creates a grand canyon-like illusion, and the impressive "World's Only Onyx Wine Table," a stunning formation that captivates visitors. He also highlights Lester Dill, the cave's owner known for his marketing genius, including the invention of bumper stickers, the placement of billboards along Route 66, and the restoration of painted barn advertisements.

As the tour nears its end, Dave takes us to the enchanting "Stage Curtains," a 70-foot-tall formation resembling curtains. Here, visitors can enjoy a musical video light show, adding a touch of spectacle to the cave experience. The video concludes with Dave's reflection on the captivating adventure through Meramec Caverns and the exploration of its rich history.

Join Dave on this enthralling exploration of Meramec Caverns, where the past comes alive in three dimensions, and witness the beauty and historical significance of this remarkable cave system. Discover the truth behind the legends and immerse yourself in this beautiful place.

Audio Credits:

https://freesound.org/s/611100/
https://freesound.org/s/477883/
https://freesound.org/s/260954/
https://freesound.org/s/244311/
https://freesound.org/s/188210/
https://freesound.org/s/203434/
https://freesound.org/s/559081/
https://freesound.org/s/130369/
https://freesound.org/s/260123/
https://freesound.org/s/38583/

#jessejames #caverns #caves #meramec #viewmaster