On this day, Lester Howe, a New York State farmer, discovered a cave after noticing that his cows frequently gathered near bushes at the bottom of a hill on hot summer days. Behind the bushes, he found a strong, cool breeze emanating from a hole in the earth. He proceeded to dig out and explore the cave with his friend and neighbour, Henry Wetsel, on whose land the cave entrance was located. The following year, Howe opened the cave to eight-hour public tours and, as business grew, a hotel was built over the entrance. Today, with a tour length of 2,410 m, Howes Cavern is the largest show cave in the Northeastern United States and is a popular tourist attraction, providing visitors with an experience of caving, without needing the advanced equipment and training usually associated with such adventures.
