382 Cumberland Caverns, Tennessee, USA

Aaron Higgenbotham discovered a new cave, CUMBERLAND CAVERNS, on Cardwell Mountain near McMinnville, TN in 1810, about a mile away from the 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.
The name Shelah Waters and the date 1869 are inscribed on the walls in candle smoke, and scratched into the rock in many remote areas. This is the oldest confirmed name and date found in the cave.