The land was withdrawn from settlement January 18, 1900. On September 12, 1902 Captain Seth Bullock, became the supervisor of Wind Cave and established rules that George Stabler and wife, Elmer McDonald and Peter Paulson had to follow as guides. A hotel concession also was granted to George Stabler and wife.

It Is Wind Cave National Park

December 12, 1902, the Hot Springs Star headlines read: It Is Wind Cave National Park: Congressman Martin wired E.T. Peirce Saturday saying “Wind Cave National Park bill passed the House today. It has already passed the Senate and will soon be a law.” Thus the good things keep coming for Hot Springs.

President Theodore Roosevelt signed legislation making Wind Cave a National Park on January 3, 1903. It would be more than 13 years before the National Park Service was established.

Wind Cave is the seventh oldest national park in the system and the first to protect a cave.

Cave Research

President Theodore Roosevelt

Early Headquarters Area

Early History of Wind Cave National Park

• The Winds of Wind Cave
• Early Explorations
• The McDonalds Arrive
• Exploring with Alvin
• The Wonderful Wind Cave Improvement Company
• Visiting the Cave
• Publicizing the Cave
• Who Owns the Cave?
• The Feud
• More Court Battles and More Decisions
• A Decision is Made
• A National Park is Created