05/28/2026
On May 25, 1926 Congress authorized the creation of Mammoth Cave National Park. This milestone set in motion the work that would lead to the establishment of the park and shaped the way generations have experienced this remarkable landscape.
People have found connection with Mammoth Cave for thousands of years. Native Americans explored its depths long before it became a park. In the early 1800s, skilled enslaved guides led the first tours and helped make the cave a well-known destination. In the 1930s, Civilian Conservation Corps crews worked on roads, trails, and buildings to prepare the area for park status.
Mammoth Cave National Park, officially established on July 1, 1941, continues to grow as a site for exploration, research, and preservation. It protects nearly 53,000 acres of forests and riverways, as well as the longest known cave system on Earth. International recognitions including World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve, and Dark Sky Park certifications highlight its global significance.
On the centennial of the park’s authorization, we reflect on the many stories that make Mammoth Cave National Park a place of enduring importance. Discover those stories and more at: nps.gov/maca
