Family Spends Winter in Lower Cave: Rockport, Indiana

Rockport, Indiana is a town with a unique beginning!

This Indiana town got it’s start with the entrance of James Lankford and family.

Ohio River Bluffs Cave: Rockport, Indiana

The year is 1808. James Lankford and his family, his wife and daughter, spend winter in a cave underneath the bluff that overlooks the Ohio River.

I don’t know about you, but when I hear the term “cave,” I picture something that stretches back and back. Something that could comfortably house a couple of bears and a few bats.

What I didn’t expect was something so very, very small that seemingly afforded little protection from the elements.

Rockport Cave

This is less of a cave and more of a gouge in the bluff. On the rainy, chilly day that we visited, well, it’s hard to imagine a family surviving a winter here!

But somehow, they did. The town became the county seat in 1818–and folks started moving in on top of the scenic 200 foot tall Ohio River Bluffs to escape flooding.

It’s an incredible piece of Indiana history.

Go There

Mosey on over to this street that branches right out from the courthouse. It’s easy to find and so worth it. Besides taking a peek at the Lankford’s cave, you can climb up into Rockport’s Upper Cave and admire the view.

See all the cool stuff out there just waiting to be explored? Now this is little Indiana!

Find pictures in Indiana on my Flickr photostream or on the new little Indiana Tumblr blog.

Just don’t forget to tell ‘em that  little Indiana sent you!

Lower Cave by the Ohio River Bluff
Rockport, Indiana 47635

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