08/19/2026
This past summer we were given exclusive access to document an old defunct privately owned tourist cave! To some this is just another defunt tourist attraction in a sea of old attractions that dotted the Black Hills landscape but to us, it was a time capsule. Let's talk about it!
Over the past few years we had heard of many defunct caves here in the hills but it was not until about a year ago that a local had mentioned something to us about this one. They had approached us on the history and proceeded to make a connection to the landowner. Now, as most of you know, we are not really cavers or shall we say "spelunkers" we are more into the ghost town and ghost mine side of history out here. That is where we really "thrive"as the kids would say.
So, you could say we were a bit hesitant when we were first approached. You see, caves are a whole other beast when it comes to underground dangers. However, after a discussion with the landowner and some research we found ourselves underground once again. Suprise surprise. We just can't stay away from underground Black Hills history.
As we ventured from the 87°F hot summer days into the 55°F cave we stumbled upon many historic areas from the remnants of old tour lighting to old signs, and more. However, onwards of our favorite finds from that day was this old signature. Sure, you are probably thinking "Historu Below The Pines it is just an old signature on the wall, what is so great about it?!" Well, you are half right however, this is history. Someone left this mark. Someone was here. They have a story. So, of course we had to dig in and find out what their story is.
So our search started there. A simple Google search "U.G. Mattox" that didn't work. So, we tried "U.G. Mattox Black Hills" ya, that failed too. We spent hours combing the internet until we found something we had missed... at the bottom there is a year. Now, it is not super legible but it is there. "U.G. MATTOX 1940 something" that gave us just what we needed.
Meet Ulysses Grant Mattox) a resident and local figure in Nicholas County / Carlisle, Kentucky. Now our pal Mattox was not just a random guy from Kentucky. He was a longtime local newspaper correspondent and columnist for the paper there. In fact, he spent 35+ Years as a Correspondent: Beginning around 1913, Mattox wrote the weekly "Saltwell News" community column for the Carlisle Mercury, documenting local events, family visits, farm life, and social gatherings in Nicholas County, Kentucky. He was noted as being a very prominent figure in Kentucky back then.
So, how were we able to trace him to the signature?! Great question. You see, we were able to use forensic testing... just kidding 😂. We actually found a column in his newspaper from 1940 titled "The Journey." In the July 11, 1940 edition of the Carlisle Mercury, U.G. Mattox traveled with companions Robert Sunday and Arthur Handwick. They noted the destination as being the Black Hills. In fact, their regional itinerary specifically included exploring the Black Hills in South Dakota and talked about various cave explorations. On the list was in fact this very cave. He also mentioned staying in Piedmont. If you look closely, you will see the etched word Piedmont. Likely, they came by train however, that was not stated, only a historical educational assumption.
That right there is history folks! The fact that this was someone's vacation. This was someone's memory. That in itself is amazing. Think about it, Maddox probably did not think that leaving his signature on a cave wall almost 90 years ago that we would be talking about it today. We did find out that his newspaper that he wrote for is still around today. In fact, it still serves as a weekly newspaper
So, no, it is not just a "signature" it is so much more than that. It is a piece of history. A window into the past. This is also a reminder that what we put out there is permanent. A carving, a initial on a rock, a scratch on a an old wall, etc. It is out there. Be mindful of that. Well, unless you are a public figure and a well known columnist that is!
We hope you enjoyed this look into the past and a story about a Black Hills tourist from nearly 90 years ago.
Until we meet again,
Thank you for being here and thank you for your interest in Black Hills history.
-HBP
Extra Notes: We are thinking the "42" you see was etched in later, as it did not fit the handwriting. Nearby was also Arthur's signature. That is what really justified it for us.
On the photos attached you will see off to the right in small print " C A R L I S L E - M E R C U R Y" we traced it for you all. This was another way we were able to prove it.
