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The Rotunda In Mammoth Cave May 24, 2025 The Rotunda, approximately 140’ below the surface, is the first large room after traveling into the Historic Entrance of Mammoth Cave in Kentucky. To the right are two Great War Monuments dedicated in 1922 and 1929. This massive room is a quarter of an acre in size with a circular ceiling, and is the result of rivers that once flowed through these passages, carving away the limestone rock. Over time the water found cracks and weak spots in the layers, slowly making its way deeper into the layers. The unsupported rock gave away and settled to the floor, creating a natural breakout dome. In addition to leaving behind large passageways, the rivers left a thick layer of sediment on the cave floor. Mammoth Cave National Park ... officially established in 1941 to protect the caves, hilly country, and scenic river valleys typical of south-central Kentucky ... encompasses 52,830 acres of diverse geological, biological and historical features associated with the longest cave in the world. The surface landscape highlights rare plants and dense forest, a diverse aquatic ecosystem in the Green and Nolin Rivers, and hallmark geologic features of a classic karst terrain. Image created by USA Patriotism! from U.S. National Park Service by Deb Spillman. More U.S. National Parks Photos | U.S. National Park Service Americans | I Am An American! | We The People | America's Destiny | Give Thanks | Love and Pride of USA | National Will God and Country | One Nation Under God | America's Symbol | Old Glory | Hooray USA! | America, My Home! Our Valiant Troops | I Am The One | Answering The Call | Brave Young | Brave Blue | Our Heroes, America's Best Veterans | Citizens Like Us | Vietnam War Veterans | Spouses Serve Too Honoring The Fallen | Don't Weep For Me | Remember The Fallen | Tears For Your Fallen | Our Wounded |
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