October 7, 2026

Civilian Conservation Corps

In 1934, Black cave guide Matt Bransford sold his 14-room Mammoth Cave hotel and land for just $3,000, far below market value; the family then moved 20 miles away as the national park took shape

In 1934, Black cave guide Matt Bransford sold his 14-room Mammoth Cave hotel and land for just $3,000, far below market value; the family then moved 20 miles away as the national park took shape

wizbuddypointm@gmail.com09 mins

Matt Bransford and a glimpse of Mammoth Cave National Park Deep below the forests of Kentucky is a world of water, stone and centuries-old human history. Mammoth Cave National Park has the world’s longest known cave system, but its story is about far more than underground passages. It’s also a story about indigenous exploration, enslaved…

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In 1916, a Texas woman left six acres of riverbank for the public; her governor son later added 250 acres and the tiny gift helped create Texas' first state park

In 1916, a Texas woman left six acres of riverbank for the public; her governor son later added 250 acres and the tiny gift helped create Texas’ first state park

wizbuddypointm@gmail.com09 mins

Mother Neff State Park (Image Credit: Wikipedia) In 1916, a small piece of land along Texas’ Leon River became the starting point for what would eventually become the state’s first state park. Isabella Neff, known locally as Mother Neff, had long welcomed neighbours and community groups to the riverbank for picnics, gatherings, fishing and other…

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