"Examines the historical and cultural significance of Missouri caves, describing ways that people have used them historically for shelter, cold storage, burials, moonshine stills, mining, and even as hideouts for Civil War soldiers and outlaws including Jesse James. Describes growing public appreciation and conservation of these unique and beautiful resources"--Provided by publisher.

1Ice Age Bones -- 1 -- 2 Prehistoric Times -- 6 -- 3 Spooky Burials -- 12 -- 4 Saltpeter and Gunpowder -- 18 -- 5 Bear Hunting -- 25 -- 6 Farm and Home -- 31 -- 7 Beer and Moonshine -- 38 -- 8 War and Outlaws -- 46 -- 9 Onyx Mining -- 56 -- 10 Guano Mining -- 63 -- 11 Buried Treasure -- 70 -- 12 Picnics and Parties -- 77 -- 13 Show Caves -- 84 -- 14 Cave Men and Cave Women -- 96 -- 15 Changing Attitudes -- 108 -- 16 Organized Caving -- 112 -- 17 Mystique of Caves -- 119 -- Appendix Twelve Cave Regions of Missouri -- 125.