Dunbar Cave The Showplace of the South Author:Larry E. Matthews Read the fascinating story of how this cave, first explored by Native Americans 8,000 years ago, grew to become one of America's major caves. Share the excitement as cavers from the Northern Indiana Grotto add miles of passage to a former commercial cave that had been thoroughly explored for the last 150 years. Swim with the scuba divers a... more »s they attempt to connect a new discovery with the Historic Section of Dunbar Cave. Includes the complete story, maps, and photos covering: Use of the cave by early Native Americans. Discovery by early settlers pushing into the wilderness beyond the mountains. Commercial development and exploitation of the cave and springs. Modern exploration by cavers after the cave becomes a Tennessee State Natural Area.« less