The series of interconnected caverns are one of the earliest officially recorded caves in the Mother Lode region of California.

The cave was discovered by Captain Joseph Taylor (on land originally claimed by James b. Mckinney for gold mining) in 1849.

Then forward referred to as "the tour of lights" guests were charged varied amounts, they would then be given a candle and a nail and were admitted into the cave.

[2] During some downtime while not prospecting for gold, local folklore affirms Captain Taylor found the entrance to the cave by accident while setting up target practice.

Early visitors included Bret Harte, Mark Twain, and John Muir, who wrote about his visit in his 1894 book, The Mountains of California.