A grave in a cave

Sounds like a dark Dr. Seuss book, doesn't it? But it's true. There's a famous grave located inside of a cave, part of the extensive caverns of southern Indiana just north of the Ohio River and Louisville. You can take tours of the cave, see the magnificent formations, and even stop to pay your respects to the cave's namesake, Squire Boone Jr.

Squire Boone Cave YouTube
Squire Boone Cave YouTube
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Squire Boone Caverns

Located in Mauckport, Indiana is Squire Boone Caverns. You may recognize his last name, Boone.  Squire is the younger brother of famed American Pioneer, Daniel Boone. In 1790 Daniel and Squire were out exploring this particular area when they discovered the caverns that sit in present-day Indiana. SquireBooneCaverns.com has this to say:

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It was Squire Boone and his brother, Daniel, who discovered these caverns in 1790. Squire later escaped enemy capture by hiding in the caverns. From that day on, he considered the beautiful hills and valleys surrounding the caverns to be holy ground. He eventually settled here with his wife, four sons and their families, and worked to establish the first capital of Indiana (Corydon).

Squire Boone was later laid to rest inside of the cave that saved his life all those years ago.  It's truly a fascinating tale.

YouTube
YouTube
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Why is Squire Boone buried in a cave?

According to FindAGrave.com since the caves are where Squire sought shelter and his life was spared, he believed the cave to be holy.  He often went to the cave to meditate, pray, and carve verses of gratitude into the stone.  It is said that Squire requested to be buried there during his life since he found solace in the cave.

Photo by Roger Turpen
Photo by Roger Turpen
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Want to visit Squire Boone's grave?

You can.

When you take a tour of Squire Boone Caverns, the tour will take you by Squire Boone's grave.  There you can pay your respects to Squire, and hear his story as well as see his final resting place. To learn more about the cave, and to book your own tour, you can do that here. 

Interested in learning more?

Roger Turpen took this great video sharing the history of Squire Boone Caverns, as well as sharing stunning images from inside the cave.

Also a special thank you to Roger for allowing me to share your photo as well as all of the information you shared in this video!

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