Nestled in the heart of Lexington, Kentucky, Picadome Cave has long been a source of fascination and mystery for the local community. This cave, located near the intersection of Clays Mill and Harrodsburg roads, has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century.
In 1927, a local farmer named Hefner saw an opportunity in the dark, damp interior of the cave. He installed irrigation pipes and began raising mushrooms, turning the cave into a brief commercial venture. This unique use of the cave was short-lived, but it added to the cave's growing legend.
As the surrounding area developed, the cave became a popular spot for local children. Mr. Lewis Sherrod, a former student of Picadome Elementary School, recalled spending his lunch hours inside the cave, exploring its many nooks and crannies. The children had their own names for the cave's features, such as "Fat Man's Misery," adding a sense of adventure to their explorations.
However, the cave's popularity also brought trouble. In 1956, Lexington police discovered a stash of dynamite inside the cave, believed to have been stolen from a nearby construction site. This discovery, along with concerns for the safety of local children, led to the cave's closure. Initially, the entrance was covered with boards, but this proved insufficient. In 1957, a more permanent barrier of concrete blocks was constructed, and by 1961, the entrance was sealed with furnace ashes.
Despite its closure, the cave's legend continued to grow. Stories of secret passageways and hidden treasures circulated among the locals. One particularly intriguing tale involved a connection between the cave and the old Knights of Pythias home. According to the legend, adventurous boys would sneak through the cave to steal food from the home's basement. While this story was likely exaggerated, it added to the cave's mystique.
Interestingly, Picadome Cave was originally known as Reed's Cave or Reid's Cave in the early part of the 20th century. The cave's name was likely changed when the Picadome school and subdivision were constructed during the outward expansion of Lexington. Further evidence linking the two names is the 1877 map of Fayette County, which shows a house occupied by a Mrs. Reed at the Picadome site. Today, two blocks from the buried cave entrance, there is a street called Reed Lane, named after the Reed family.
Today, Picadome Cave remains sealed, but it lives on in the memories of those who explored its depths. The cave is a reminder of a time when the world was a bit more mysterious, and adventure could be found just beneath the surface.
Sandy Shafer, greenspace steward and founder of Friends of the Parks, has a deep fascination with the cave's history and hopes to restore this historical landmark. Want to join her?