Ep 19 - Moaning Caverns

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I Love You, California

Society & Culture


In 1851 when gold miners were working all over the Sierra foothills they heard a sound in the distance - it was described as a “moaning,” which lured people towards the entrance to a cave.  While this cave had been known for thousands of years to the indigenous people in the area which they referred to as “Samwel Cave,” the modern explorers referred to it by the sound that they heard.  It was rather forgotten about until 1919 when it was re-rediscovered - the people who found it decided to file a mining claim over the land, which was granted, and the new owner immediately started working on the cave for exploration and public access.  This site that once struck fear in the heart of indigenous people is now one of the top attractions in Calaveras County.