This area of North Carolina was still mostly wild and unsettled during the mid-1700’s. Stories have it the Daniel Boone family build a homestead east of Salisbury/Spencer, NC, in what is now preserved as Boone’s Cave State Park along the banks of the Yadkin River. According to stories and legends, a cave in the area was used by Daniel Boone and possibly his family.
The above photo is of the current stairs providing passage down the steep bank to view the main cave. The cave entrance is only about one meter high but opens up a bit once inside.
This cave and area may have a darker kinship as well — many years ago the cave was given the nickname of “The Devils Den. ” Alastar Packar has written an interesting article about the area and an incident he experienced in the cave:
“Turning my head to the left at the 8 or 9 foot tunnel—there appeared, before my eyes, a sight to make me turn away and shake my head—a second glance—and there, still before my eyes not five feet away was the apparition of a Wolf! It’s benign stare with it’s dull red but piercing eyes had a form that I can only describe as some kind of plasma/electrical type of energy that sent a shock wave through my mind that a lightning strike behind could scarce have equaled. At the instant of realization the entire body exploded in a brain stem adrenal rush which caused a full bore flight or fight response; the likes of which I have never before or since experienced. Flight won by a very long mile that day.” ~~ Incident at Boone’s Cave Park, Alastar Packer
If you find this interesting be sure to follow the link and read the article — don’t miss the comments as well.
I’ve been inside this cave and I can’t say I had any experience beyond my own discomfort being underground in a closed space. Perhaps these “spirits” don’t care for photographers.
Looks like an interesting place. Can’t say I have ever been spelunking, other than some “tourist caves,” but have always wondered what it would be like. As a diver though, I can’t say I have ever had the inclination to do what those crazy cave divers do.
Mark, this cave is very large as far as I could tell but then I don’t care for close places all that much so I don’t think spelunking is for me…mixing diving and caving wouldn’t be something I could do. :-)
What an intriguing article, it really seems like a great place to explore. The weathered look of the stairs leading down to the cave contributes to the atmosphere of that place.
I love your photograph of the Yadkin river – the silvery quality of your b&w conversion and the framing are superb!
Martina, it is an interesting area. Of course who knows how much of what is told is actually the truth. Thanks!
I’m fascinated with caves but I admit that I haven’t investigated too many in the past and now it seems unlikely I ever will. The cave opening in the photo look very mysterious, the big attraction for cavers, probably. I wonder if Packer was sampling some of the mushrooms when he entered the cave. I don’t want to find out for myself.
Ken, I’m not sure what Packer was experiencing but I may have made my last venture into the cave. :-) If you read some of the comments on his article you’ll find at least one other reported some similar encounters in that area. I’ll be looking over my shoulder next time.
Ignoring native peoples and hunter/gatherers, the difference in time when settlers really began to make an impression on our respective landscapes must make a huge difference to our view of history. I can’t think of one UK story about settler families like this. I often wander if I’ve ever walked over any ground that no one else has ever traversed but I suspect that on this island it’s highly unlikely.
Colin, I appreciate your thoughtful comments as you often cause me to see things from a different and larger perspective. In the scheme of the world, the USA is but a baby of 236 years with the last state, Hawaii, added in 1959. Exploring and pioneers are still in our societal memory. As a child many popular TV shows I watched had to do with the early days of our history, the settlers, and has at least in some part formed my American views. Thank-you.
That river looks very full! Like you, caves are not where I dare to venture. I may peek inside but will only read the stories about the eyes within. This could be a setting for one those murder/mystery stories you’re going to write. :-)
Monte…I may not go back into this cave after reading the story and now with you mention that it looks like a good murder/mystery location. ;-)
That is a great story, but it wouldn’t tempt me into the cave. I never had any interest at all in exploring caves. I will leave that to braver souls than I. The surrounding area, however, looks irresistible. I am a big fan of your historical pieces. Please don’t ever let these go.
Maybe you will come up with something equally eerie for Halloween later this year. It does give one the creeeps to think about it.
Thanks, Anita. I’m sure my photographic attraction to historical places and structures will continue…it something I personally find interest in. I may have paid my last visit the the inside of this cave after reading this story. :-)
Wasn’t Boone Cave county park once a state park? And it lost its designation as a state park?
does anyone know anyone who has gone all the way thru the cave. from what i understand, it exits on the other side of the hill. i have found a small opening around the left side of the hill. i have crawled a little way into the tunnel, but haven’t gone all the way. yet