Ruby Falls Rocks! 6th & Up

WHEN WE SAY HISTORY ROCKS, WE MEAN IT.

The story of Ruby Falls begins with the original Lookout Mountain Cave which had a natural entrance on the banks of the Tennessee River at the foot of Lookout Mountain (pictured above). It has been known to visitors for centuries.

The cave was used as a campsite by American Indians, a hideout for outlaws, and a Civil War Hospital. The most significant artifact of the Lookout

Mountain Cave is Andrew Jackson's signature. In 1905, the Southern Railway built a railroad tunnel through the edge of Lookout Mountain, which permanently sealed off the natural entrance to the cave.

Leo & Ruby Lambert

In 1923, Leo Lambert, a local cave enthusiast, formed a corporation for the purpose of opening the historic Lookout Mountain Cave to the public. Leo Lambert's corporation purchased land on the side of Lookout Mountain above the cave. Then, in 1928, a site for an elevator shaft into the original cave was selected and drilling began. While drilling straight down through solid limestone rock, a small opening was found at the 260 foot level that measured two feet high and four feet wide. Mr. Lambert decided to explore this opening.

Original poster for the Grand Opening of Ruby Falls

After 17 hours, he emerged and described many beautiful rock formations and a spectacular waterfall. During his next trip, Mr. Lambert brought along his wife, Ruby, and named the magnificent waterfall in her honor - "Ruby Falls". Mr. Lambert decided to develop both caves so people would have two caves to visit. The entrance building was modeled after a fifteenth century Irish castle and was constructed from limestone excavated from the elevator shaft.

From 1930 to 1935, tours were offered to both caves, but Ruby Falls proved to be the most popular. In 1935 the original cave was closed to the public.

Babe Ruth and the 1931 Yankees

Since 1929, millions of visitors have enjoyed the natural beauty and wonder of Ruby Falls!

Tennessee history

Volunteer State

Ruby Falls is in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Tennessee is easy to find on a map because its so long and narrow. Because of its unusual shape, more states touch Tennessee than any other state in the Union.

Tennessee's nickname is the "Volunteer State". When our state was formed, some people wanted to name it Franklin after Ben Franklin, who signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776, but it was named after a large Cherokee village in the eastern part of the state.

The city of Chattanooga was originally called Ross's Landing. It was an early port on the Tennessee River. Chattanooga played an important role in The Civil War. There are lots of things to do in our city including many places that tell about The Civil War.

(Also see: Lookout Mountain History)

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