CUMBERLANDCAVERNS - Key Persons
Aaron Higgenbotham discovers a new cave on Cardwell Mountain near McMinnville, TN in 1810, about a mile away from already-known Henshaw Cave. Henshaw Cave was essentially a one-room cave but this new cave seemed endless. Aaron, an early surveyor and turnpike builder, names the new cave "Higgenbotham Cave". Venturing into the cave alone, Higgenbotham was trapped on a high ledge for three days when his torch went out. According to local legend, his hair turned white by the time a rescue party could locate him.