State

History and Legend ol Bat Cave Bi; CLARENCE (iRIFFI\ HIGH on the side of Chimney Rock Mountain is Bat Cave, whose name is derived from the fact that for years this fissure has been a refuge for an innumer¬ able colony of bats. Halfway between the village of Chimney Rock and Bat Cave a winding foot trail crosses Rocky Broad River, leaving U. S. High¬ way No. 74 at the Rutherford- Hendcrson County line, and curves sharply along with mountain con¬ tours up to the caves entrance. This dimly-marked foot path should not be traversed without the aid of a guide. Near the top of the mountain the trail ends at a deep rock fissure, which is the en¬ trance to a small, dark, damp chamber, whose exit is a corkscrew- drop through a pile of rocks. Here another small chamber, devoid of formations, leads into a corridor sloping steadily downward, beyond which few people have explored. To the left of this formation is Bat Cave, its roof formed by Iw'o mas¬ sive boulders almost meeting in a Sk. The entrance is about thirty high and the cave runs back about 100 feet. Л strong flashlight is essential to any would-be ex¬ plorer of this cavern. The entrance to the larger cham¬ ber is effected through a small, dan¬ gerous entrance, the appearance of which bluffs the greater number of visitors to the place, turning them away without a view- of the deeper cave. During the hot days of summer a cool current of air constantly flows from the entrance of the cave and from a fissure in the rock for¬ mation on the outside. This cur¬ rent of air remains at a constant temperature and during the winter months is several degrees warmer than the surrounding atmosphere. Grass, weeds and other small plants, finding a footing in the rocks, often flourish throughout the year in the face of this warm air. frost having no effect on them. Bat Cave is seldom visited by tourists or natives. The difficulty of ascending the mountain, the small publicity given this natural curiosity and the disappointment one is likely to encounter when reaching the caves preclude the possibility of commercializing this property to any successful degree. The cave itself is a natural refuge for bats, the dunk, dark in¬ ner chamber being an ideal refuge for these flying mammals. During the summer months they may be observed in varying numbers hang¬ ing to the high ceilings of the rocky interior. Entering the inner cham¬ ber with a flashlight disturbs them and the explorer is likely to be surrounded with a dozen or more flying bats. These caves have been known for nearly a century and a half by natives of the region, but. accord¬ ing to local legend, were seldom visited in the early days due to superstitions attached to bats. Others refused to visit or go into the caves because of the fact that during summer months rattle¬ snakes congregated about the rocky granite surfaces of the cave and hibernated there during win¬ ter. In December. 1843, u postoffice was established on the Asheville- Rutherfordton turnpike (now U. S. 74» passing along Rocky Broad River, below- the present village of Bat Cave. This office w-as estab¬ lished under the name of Chimney Rock with John W. Harris as post¬ master. He was succeeded by C. L. Harris in March. 1859. who served until the office was discontinued by Federal order on July 20. 1860. It was re-established the following February with C. L. Harris as post- master. Several other changes in personnel took place until Decem¬ ber 22. 1879. when the name was changed to Bat Cave and moved into Henderson County, to the pres¬ ent village of Bat Cave. The office at Chimney Rock was established as Toledo Nov. 8. 1880. On Jan. 8. 1883 it was changed to its pres¬ ent name of Chimney Rock. There are well-established tradi- ditions that prior to, and during the Civil War. there was an “un¬ derground railroad" through the Rocky Broad River valley, with sta¬ tions at Bat Cave village and stop¬ ping stations at Bat Cave caverns. THE STATE. MAY 11. 1946 7+ V-- • ; 7’:- m Ф» Does YOUR SON ЛЕЕВ MILITARY TRALVIYG? AAILITARY training is of enormous advantage to о young man ,VI entering the ormy today It will be even more important in years ohead OAK RIDGE offers military training that helps build your son to a better soldier, a well-rounded man in war or peace. R.OTC instruction under supervision of Army officers Courses lead to commissions in U. S Infantry. Smoll dosses, personol supervision Non-denominofionol, 4-yeor militory Junior College with body-building sports Fully accredited 93rd year Write today for viewbede and catalogue OAK RIDGE MILITARY INSTITUTE OAK RIDGE, NORTH CAROLINA 2k