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It's called Ruby "Falls" because deep beneath the surface of the earth, hidden in a cave, is the highest underground waterfall in America. It is 145 feet tall. The geology of the surrounding area explains the ancient history of this formation. Geologists believe about 200 million years ago the area was actually the bottom of a sea and many skeletons from small creatures formed layers of limestone over time. Eventually, layers of sand, shale, and coarse sand were also deposited over the area. The layers hardened and, at some point, an earthquake or several earthquakes forced the layers to bend upwards. As this occurred, the weak rock layers, such as limestone and sandstone, lifted from the sea bottom forming joints. Joints are the cracks and crevices that are formed as the consequence of such geological action. Ruby Falls was formed in this way. It is found in a layer of limestone within a small mountain. Water action from streams originating above the ground eroded the limestone and produced the cavern itself. Today, an underground stream enters the cavern 145 feet above the floor and collects in a pool as it falls. The actual waterfall itself varies in size depending on the amount of rain on the earth's surface far above. |
| When we went down into the cave it was dark but there were lights of different colors. We saw many stalactites and stalagmites and it was very beautiful! Stalactites form on the ceiling of a cave when ground water trickles through the layers of earth and drips downward depositing minerals and creating icicle looking formations. Stalagmites are similarly formed on the floor of the cave. When they grow together, they form actual geological columns. When we touched them they felt wet and slippery. Our tour guide told us that long ago a man came through this passage and there was only one place in the entire cave that he could stand up. However, now the caves have been enlarged. After awhile in the caves, we came to a site called Fat Man Lane and that led to the falls. It was all black until they turned on a large light and then water was flowing down in a glowing rainbow. It captured our imaginations as we went exploring the incredible geological formations. |  |
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The cave itself has an interesting human history, as well. It was used by Native Americans and eventually served as a hospital during the Civil War. The waterfall was discovered in 1923 by Leo Lambert. He told everyone about the beautiful rock formations and the waterfall. Mr. Lambert named the falls "Ruby" after his wife. Eventually the cave was opened for viewing by the public. |