On Saturday, June 19th, Jim and I returned to the shelter-cave at Calico Rock along with Freda Phillips of Exploring Stone County and several other friends and guests to further investigate the site. After spending an hour or more examining the walls and digging a couple of test-holes to see if any artifacts might be found, we discussed the possible uses of this unique cave throughout history.
It's clear that there are a number of features in this cave that have been added in an attempt to hide its existence including the massive retaining wall built directly in front of its entrance and a vent-hole hidden at the surface by a large hollow Oak tree stump.
Although noone in living memory seems to know the origins of the human construction within the cave, there are several local legends. One of those is the use by some of the term "slave-cave" to describe the site. Another is one that suggests the "rock house" was used as a speak-easy during prohibition. Others include the site's use as an ice-house, a hiding place for runaway slaves, or its use as a place to conceal weapons, ammo, and supplies during the civil-war
As we discussed the possibilities, we formed a hypothesis as to the caves early use by settlers of the area as well as it's possible utilization later.
Watch the video to see what angle we will be working as we do research into the history of this very interesting site then join our conversation over at the EIC Journal to add your own thoughts.
We welcome your participation!
