Luray Caverns was first discovered in 1878 when five men saw a limestone outcrop next to which cool air was issuing from a sinkhole; after some digging, they slid into a hole and saw a column that they named Washington Column.
Seeking a cavern, the men started to dig and, about four hours later, a hole was created for the smallest men (Andrew and Quint) to squeeze through, slide down a rope and explore by candlelight. 
