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Construction Through History
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Throughout construction at Jewel Cave National Monument, it is critical to take note of the time and space in which workers were building the engineering marvel of the cabin, trails, and stairs. With the first workers stationed here from 1935 through 1939, domestic and world history during this era is critical. One can only imagine the conversations between CCC workers at Jewel Cave National Monument as they likely discussed the challenges of putting food on the table during the Great Depression, as well as the rise of global tyrants.
Fast-forwarding to the construction of Jewel Cave National Monument’s main Visitor Center, from 1966 through 1972, it is once again remarkable to take note of the conversations between workers. During this era, workers likely discussed the impact of civil rights and political party realignment within America, with former U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson signing the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Furthermore, conversations likely also discussed the deaths of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy in 1968. This is to say nothing of the ramifications of the Cold War, with emphasis on the War in Vietnam as well as the Space Race, particularly Apollo 11. As the workers of this era completed the job and left the newly built Visitor Center in 1972, they may have also discussed the actions of then-U.S. President Richard Nixon. Specifically, Nixon’s White House Tapes, from February 1971 through July 1973, as well as Watergate, which occurred 20 days following the opening of the newly established Visitor Center.
Fast-forwarding to 2018 through 2020, the MAC Construction Company, based out of Rapid City, South Dakota, won a contract to renovate Jewel Cave’s Scenic Tour Route. The MAC Construction Company had an existing history of construction at Jewel Cave National Monument, previously establishing the employee quarters from 1989 through 1990. However, unlike their work to construct quarters, in 2018 the company replaced all 734 stairs of the Scenic Tour Route as well as 96 steps on the emergency staircases.
In addition to this work, 4,750 feet of stainless steel cables were installed for guardrails. 950 stainless steel stair treads were also installed for stairs, in some cases installing double treads for some steps. 1,775 square feet of metal platform gratings were also installed for platforms. Moreover, over 50 staircases and bridges were replaced. This steel was brought into Jewel Cave by utilizing stair-climbing dollies as well as being carried in by hand. During construction, debris particles were caught on blankets, contained with plastic enclosures, or captured by filters on tools in an effort to conserve the geological features at Jewel Cave National Monument.
Expounding upon their metallic construction, 2,100 square feet of sidewalks got poured to replace eroding walkways and another 2,400 feet of curbs were added to these newly crafted walkways. 85 feet of concrete retaining walls were also built for some areas, including Spooky Hollow dugout. All totaled, over 120,000 pounds of concrete were brought into Jewel Cave during the renovation process. During peak construction, it is estimated that it would take 9 construction workers approximately six and a half hours to pour 1 cubic yard.
In addition to the Scenic Tour Route renovations, the project entailed the replacement of the airlock door systems, an expanded concrete platform for the Target Room, as well as an improved pathway from the Target Room to the Portal Entrance.
Nearly 60 cubic yards were brought into the cave with wheelbarrows and special stair-climbing dollies. Approximately 50% of the concrete was mixed on site in a temporary building just outside the Portal Entrance. Modern wires for the lights were hidden beneath the rocks and wired through some of the hollow guardrails, in the process bolstering pioneer Herb Conn’s 1960s lighting system that is still in use today.
Midway through this renovation project, in 2019, the dawn of the COVID-19 pandemic occurred. This worldwide event made this construction phase at Jewel Cave National Monument an interesting time to be a worker. During this era, workers likely discussed the political, economic, and social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Following the Scenic Tour Route renovation from 2018 through 2020, another phase of construction began in December of 2020. This next stage focused on repairs to the elevator shaft as well as the modernization of both elevator cars. Prior to 2020, the 300-foot elevator shaft had undergone very few updates since the 1960s. The 2020 repair work included the replacement of structural steel beams within the elevator shaft, the patching of concrete elevator shaft walls, the installation of moisture-control devices along the height of the shaft walls, and the replacement of obsolete elevator equipment, as well as the modernization of elevator cab finishes.
Michelle Wheatley, the former Superintendent of Jewel Cave National Monument, asserted, “This work is expected to help resolve the chronic elevator problems that have at times required the cancellation of cave tours over the last few years, often during peak summer season.”
Continuing on your Jewel Cave journey, it is important to recognize the substantial impact of not only those who have pushed the envelope of discovery, but also those who have crafted a space for us to engage with the topics of science and history. As Walt Disney asserted, “You can dream, create, design, and build the most wonderful place in the world, but it takes people to make the dream a reality.”
The wonder of exploration and innovative craftsmanship found at Jewel Cave National Monument leaves us to marvel at this incredible site. Nestled peacefully in the stunning Black Hills of South Dakota, Jewel Cave is a hidden gem. The legacy of this pivotal National Monument posits fascinating questions for all generations, such as: What’s next? What will be your legacy? And how will you help write the next chapter of American history?
Description
Throughout construction at Jewel Cave National Monument, it is critical to take note of the time and space in which workers were building the engineering marvel of the cabin, trails, and stairs.
Date Created
09/16/2025
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