Natural Bridge Caverns
Natured Bridge Caverns is the largest known cavern in Texas, and was discovered on March 27, 1969, by four spelunkers, as cave explorers are called. The four were Orion Knox Jr., Preston Knodell, Al Brandt, and Joe Cantu. They were all attending St. Mary's University in San Antonio at that time. These students explored over two miles of the magnificant masterpiece of nature and mapped a mile of passages or chambers as huge cave rooms are called.
Natural Bridge Caverns is located in the semi-rugged hill country midway between New Braunfels and San Antonio off Highway 1863. The name was derived from the awe-inspiring sixty foot natural limestone slab bridge that spans the amphi-theater setting of the cavern.
The Development of the caverns began on March 25, 1963. While excavating; spearpolnts dating back to 5,000 B.C. were found at the entrance. The jaw bones of a grizzly bear that became extinct over 8,000 years ago were also found. Below the bones of the bear were an Indian's leg bone and spearpoint.
Marker Location: from New Braunfels about 8.5 mi. west, caverns located on FM 1863
