Once little more than a local curiosity, Cathedral Caverns was transformed by one man’s vision and hard work into a spectacular tourist attraction and natural landmark. In 1952, Jacob “Jay” Gurley explored a local Marshall County curiosity which residents referred to as “Bat Cave.” Amazed by its stalagmites and sheer enormity, Gurley purchased the site and began transforming it into Cathedral Caverns. After decades of hard work, Cathedral Caverns became one of Alabama’s top tourist attractions, eventually being dedicated as a national natural landmark in 1973, and a state park in 2000. Had it not been for Gurley's hard work and dedication, this cave, a geological treasure of international renown, might have remained a little-known hole in the ground. His efforts impacted local and state tourism, economics, and politics. This is the story of one man and his vision.

Whitney A. Snow is an assistant professor of history at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas. Her work has appeared in peer-reviewed journals ranging from the Alabama Review to Forests, Trees and Livelihoods. A specialist in the 20th-century South, her interests include agricultural, environmental, and labor history. Originally from Guntersville, Alabama, she is also focused on public history and is currently working on several research projects about her hometown.