Near the road to Mammoth Cave, a slave of Jesse Courts discovered a pit in the rocky bottom of a valley on July 14, 1859. Lowered on a rope into the cave, the first visitor thought sparkling calcite formations resembled diamonds, and the name for the cave was born.
The next day, a survey team entered the cave, descending rope ladders to assess the discovery. Steps were built into the cave and a building was constructed over the entrance. The cave remained remarkably well preserved and pristine because of the development efforts that occurred immediately after discovery.
Presented by state-of-the-art lighting, Diamond Caverns features intricate drapery deposits lining the halls in cascades of naturally colorful calcite. Thousands of stalactites, stalagmites and flowstone formations decorate the cathedral-like chambers.
On August 19, 1859, the Kennedy Bridal Party was the first to take a tour of the newly opened show cave. Except for short periods during the Civil War, the Historic Diamond Caverns has been shown as an attraction for over 145 years!
Explore the natural beauty and fascinating history of this underground treasure with the entire family on safe, high-quality trails. Knowledgeable guides will unlock the geologic mysteries and recall the fascinating history of the cave during the ½ mile long guided tour.
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