Stephen BishopStephen Bishop was one of the greatest explorers of the Mammoth Caves. He was 17 years old when first brought to the caves as a slave by Franklin Gorin. He was a tour guide, but was granted permission to freely explore the caves. He ventured beyond the tour areas and discovered many new areas of the Mammoth Caves.
In 1838 Stephen set a wooden ladder across the Bottomless Pit, went across it with his lantern in his teeth, and became the first human being to behold the wonders beyond it, allowing further exploration. By 1839 he had discovered the Echo River and Roaring River, and the bizarre eyeless fish living in their waters. In 1840 he found his greatest discovery, the 192-foot tall Mammoth Dome. Stephen gained his freedom in 1856, but sadly died at the next year at a age of 37, leaving behind his wife and his son. His cause of death still remains a mystery today. Stephen can still be visited at the Old Guide's Cemetery at Mammoth Cave National Park. |