Mount Rushmore National Memorial / A monument commemorating the conception, preservation, and growth of the great American republic

by Mount Rushmore National Memorial Society of the Black Hills

JEWEL CAVE NATIONAL MONUMENT

A unique coating of dogtooth calcite crystals which sparkle like jewels in the light distinguish Jewel Cave from other crystal caverns in the Black Hills and provided its name.

One of the finest stands of virgin ponderosa pine remaining in the Black Hills is found within the monument which was established in 1908. It was originally part of the present Harney National Forest but was transferred to the National Park Service, by Executive Order, in 1934.