The Blue Hole is the first of two major springs at McConnell
Springs. It has been a source of mystery since its earliest
discovery by Native Americans many years ago. Its blue color is
caused by its unusual depth, which is estimated at about 15
feet.
The Blue Hole is one of two major springs at McConnell Springs
park. The waters originate from a wide area of SW Lexington,
flowing underground through the limestone bedrock. Prismatic
effects due to its unusual depth of 15 feet cause the blue color
that is this water's namesake. This open body of water was caused
by a discharge of water from a fissure in the bedrock that had
sufficient force to blow away the overlying soil and sediment. It
now maintains a conical basin filled by the springs below.
Nobody will ever know for sure, but it is likely that the Blue
Hole was the spring that William McConnell and his fellow
explorer/surveyor/settlers sat in 1775 when they selected the name
"Lexington" for the settlement to be created near here. This spot,
then and now, has all the ingredients to make a good camping site
and McConnell would have been quick to make his base camp.
McConnell Springs is a 26 acre natural pocket within an industrail
area. Two miles of trails wander around the sinking springs,
vegetation, stone fences, and vestiges of historical buildings.
The Springs boasts more than 130 species of plants and numerous
species of urban wildlife that reside at or visit the park.
McConnell Springs is open 7 days a week, 9am to 5 pm. Closed on
Thanks Giving, Chrsitmas Eve, Christmas Day, and the day after
Christmas.
To get credit for the find, post a picture of YOU (Face
included) with GPS in hand and the Blue Hole spring in the back
ground (otherwise log will be deleted).
1. What kind of spring is the blue hole?
2. What makes the water blue?
| Cav Scout has earned GSA's highest
level |
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Do not log this
EC unless you have answered the questions and have a picture ready
to post! Logs with no photo of the actual cacher ( human face
included) logging the find or failure to answer questions or
negative comments will result in a log deletion without notice.
Exceptions will be considered if you contact me first (I realize
sometimes we forget our cameras or the batteries die). You must
post a photo at the time of logging your find. If your picture is
not ready then wait until you have a photo.
Sources of
information for the EarthCache quoted from the Kentucky Geology
information website. I have used sources available to me by using
the library, internet, research, and asking questions to get
information for this earth cache. I am by no means a geologist.
Like most people I use whats available to me to get geological
information just like 99.9 percent of the geocachers who create
these great Earth Caches. I enjoy Earth Caches and want people to
get out and see what I see every time I go and explore this great
place we live in.