"Mammoth Cave by Lantern Light" by Colleen O'Connor Olson

I wanted to take a moment to mention author Colleen O'Connor Olson who wrote several books about Mammoth Cave, all of which are worth picking up.  I read "Mammoth Cave by Lantern Light" again recently.

All of her books are nice casual reading, and are easily enjoyable for any level.  This would be a great book for a young reader to flip through before a first visit.

Anyway, Colleen does a great job of covering the early visitors and tourists to the legendary cave.  She covers the legendary early guides (Bishop and the Bransfords).  She paints a great picture of how these early guides, though slaves, were absolutely rock stars to the visitors.

 The author covers the other great stories you would expect- she discusses the TB clinic and the "blind" cave fish.  There are mummies, famous authors, royalty and musicians.

Of course, hearing about transportation and accommodations in the early days of the cave make great stories too!  They are here!

AND....  I found out not too long ago that the author passed away not too long ago.  I feel really bad that I never crossed paths with her personally, but I am glad that she left behind some wonderful books as part of her legacy.