SEQUOYAH CAVERNS AND ELLIS HOMESTEAD
Sequoyah Caverns and Ellis Homestead have exciting adventures for
everyone to enjoy daily, without a reservation…
CAVERNS - Explore the fascinating and enchanting Sequoyah
Caverns. Guided tours are held daily, on the hour. Along the well lighted
paths you will see reflection pools and towering stalagmites. Experience the
“Fat Lady Squeeze”, and see what is believed to be General Sam Houston’s
signature. The tour is half of a mile long and takes approximately 45
minutes.
MORGAN CRAFT CABIN - There’s no telling what kind of
craftsperson you may meet at the crafts cabin, but whomever you meet, you’re
sure to be delighted as they show traditional pioneer crafts using all
natural materials.
GEM MINE - You can mine for beautiful, multicolored stones
just like the settlers did years ago. You and your kids are going to love
panning through cool mountain water as it flows down our hand-made wooden
trough.
LOOKOUT POINT - Try the invigorating and easy mile and a
half hike up to Lookout Mountain, Alabama and the valley below. Make sure
you bring your camera!
FARM ANIMAL CORRAL -keeping true to our pioneer roots,
Sequoyah maintains a number of farm animals such as oxen, sheep, goats, and
horses. Children love seeing our animals graze, and during special pioneer
events, many of these animals are used to demonstrate farming techniques.
FISHING POND - Our one acre pond is well stocked with bass,
catfish, and pan fish. If you have a rod and reel, you’re free to wet your
hook and see what’s biting!
DUCK POND - Near the fishing pond are some of our fine
feathered friends, the ducks and geese. Duck food is available at the pond
for those who wish to feed these quackers.
GROUP ADVENTURES at SEQUOYAH CAVERNS:
Sequoyah Caverns and Ellis Homestead are two of the most popular group
destinations in the region for church organizations, school field trips,
Scout outings, reunions, and company picnics. Our Wild Cave Adventure is
designed just for groups, providing an exciting and intense excursion into
parts of the cave that only a few get to see. We can also create a custom
group event lead by our experienced guides. Please call to reserve your
group adventure in advance. See our group video at:
www.myspace.com/sequoyahcaverns.
SPECIAL EVENTS TO SEE AT SEQUOYAH CAVERNS
* BATTLE FOR MISSIONARY RIDGE-- More than 700 authentically clad Union and
Confederate soldiers clash in this Civil War reenactment on the first
weekend in November. A special day for school groups is on Friday followed
by public days on Saturday and Sunday for a small admission. The thundering
Calvary, booming cannons, and rattling muskets ring through the mountains
during daily battles. Before and after the clashes, browse vendor offerings,
enjoy concessions, and wander through soldier camps.
*ELLIS HOMESTEAD DAYS - See rare tractors, engines, and machinery of all types
sputter to life during this free, down home Americana event on the first
weekend in May. Throughout the day, toe tapping bluegrass music takes the
stage at our Special Events area and dozens of vendors demonstrate
traditional American skills and pioneer farming techniques using all
handmade items. A variety of arts, crafts and concessions are for sale.
*FOUTH OF JULY BLAST - It’s great bluegrass music, tasty concessions, and
sparkling fireworks at this free festival. Music starts at 7p.m. with the
best in local talent. When the stars come out, at night, spectacular
fireworks light up the sky.
*A CHRISTMAS STORY - The miracle birth of Christ is showcased inside the
Caverns beautiful “Ballroom” with dozens of actors, live animals, and a
Choir of Angels. Four performances are held each evening on December 21st
through December 24th. Admission is free and performances last approximately
30 minutes.
SEQUOYAH CAVERNS AND ELLIS HOMESTEAD...WELCOMING VISITORS FOR MORE THAN 165 YEARS
James Ellis moved his family to Valley Head, Alabama from Tennessee back in
1841. He and his family built a log cabin and later a frame house where the
campground is today. The cabin was later moved and used for another home on
the farm.
In the pioneer days of the eighteen eighties, the Ellis Family had to work
hard to cut farmland out of a wilderness. Their hard work allowed the family
to eventually accumulate hundreds of acres of land, including what is today
Sequoyah Caverns.
During the Civil War, the Ellis family was divided, just like the nation
itself. James, a Second Lieutenant in the Union army, died from a camp
disease in 1863. He is buried at the Chickamauga Battlefield. Four of his
sons also served in the war. Three fought for the Union and one fought for
the Confederacy. Only two of his sons survived the war. Mrs. Ellis had one
son at home, Abner, who was too young to fight. After the war, times were
hard, but the farm began to prosper again. By the turn of the Twentieth
Century the Ellis family was relatively well off. They were growing corn,
cotton, wheat, and oats. They were also making sorghum, and raising sheep
and cattle. Today, the direct descendents of James Ellis live here to
welcome visitors from all over the world who come to explore the Ellis
Homestead and see Sequoyah Caverns.
VISIT SEQUOYAH CAVERNS
Sequoyah Caverns is an easy 10-15 minute drive from
Mountain Laurel Inn B&B
in Mentone. Lickety-Split particularly enjoys their definition of country
surfing:
Hours of Operation:
Monday- Saturday 8:30- 5:00, Sunday 1:00- 5:00
Closed Thanksgiving Day & Christmas Day
For more information and rates visit:
www.sequoyahcaverns.com
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