Welcome
to the Howe Caverns Classroom. Browse through these
pages and learn about the discovery and development
of the cavern. Go back to prehistoric times and discover
how caverns are formed. Learn about the delicate balance
between man and the underground water system.
Feel free to reproduce
any part of this section for use in an educational program.
History
The story
of Howe Caverns, which was discovered 20 years before
the outbreak of the Civil War, follows America's transformation
from a farm-based economy to an industrial nation. It
was a time when great fortunes were made by leaders
of the Industrial Revolution, and a time when man was
eager to exert his command over nature. Learn
more...
Geology
and Chemistry
The walls of Howe Caverns
consist of two types of limestone (Coeymans and Manlius)
from different periods in the Earth's early history,
as well as a rock known as Rondout waterred. Learn
more...
Cave
Life
With the exception of a few
bats near the natural entrance, moss growing around
the electric lights, and bacteria in the underground
stream, there is little animal or plant life in Howe
Caverns. Learn
more...
Cave
Conservation
Great care must be taken
to protect and preserve these great underground wonders.
Caves are non-renewable natural resources which benefit
and enrich our lives in many ways, a few of which are:
Insect Control, Scientific Knowledge, Water Supply and
Education/Recreation. Learn
more...
Prehistoric Era
Scientists believe nature
began to slowly craft Howe Caverns some six million
years ago - long before even the ancient, extinct animal
known as the woolly mammoth appeared on Earth. The caverns
are unique for more than their age and beauty - they
are among a very small number of mineral caves in the
world. Learn more...
Howe Caverns Educational Supplement
A 12 page Special Supplement to the Albany Times Union. Download Now (3 mb PDF file. Make take a couple of minutes to download.)
