Big Bone Cave Author:Larry E. Matthews Big Bone Cave is one of the largest and most historic caves in Tennessee. The story of America's largest underground saltpeter mine, mined during the War of 1812, mined during the Civil War by confederate miners, and captured by federal troops. Mined for over 2,500 years by American Indians for minerals and medicinal salts. The discovery of thr... more »ee giant sloth skeletons, an ice-age jaguar skeleton, and several American Indian mummies.« less