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Journey to the Bottomless Pit: The Story of Stephen Bishop & Mammoth Cave
"A fascinating story." --LeVar Burton
The thrilling adventures of a slave who became known worldwide for his explorations of Mammoth Cave.
If you toured Mammoth Cave in Kentucky in the year 1838, you would have been led by candlelight through dark, winding tunnels to the edge of a terrifying bottomless pit. Your guide would have been seventeen-year-old Stephen Bishop, an African American slave who became known around the world for his knowledge of Mammoth Cave. Bishop needed bravery, intelligence, and curiosity to explore the vast cavern. Using only a lantern, rope, and other basic caving equipment, he found a way to cross the bottomless pit and discover many more miles of incredible grottoes and tunnels. For the rest of his life he guided visitors through the cave, showing them how to stoop, bend, and crawl through passageways that were sometimes far from the traditional tour route.
Based on the narratives of those who toured the cave with him, Journey to the Bottomless Pit is the first book for young readers ever written about Stephen Bishop.
The thrilling adventures of a slave who became known worldwide for his explorations of Mammoth Cave.
If you toured Mammoth Cave in Kentucky in the year 1838, you would have been led by candlelight through dark, winding tunnels to the edge of a terrifying bottomless pit. Your guide would have been seventeen-year-old Stephen Bishop, an African American slave who became known around the world for his knowledge of Mammoth Cave. Bishop needed bravery, intelligence, and curiosity to explore the vast cavern. Using only a lantern, rope, and other basic caving equipment, he found a way to cross the bottomless pit and discover many more miles of incredible grottoes and tunnels. For the rest of his life he guided visitors through the cave, showing them how to stoop, bend, and crawl through passageways that were sometimes far from the traditional tour route.
Based on the narratives of those who toured the cave with him, Journey to the Bottomless Pit is the first book for young readers ever written about Stephen Bishop.
112 pages, Paperback
First published October 25, 2004
8 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Mitchell
5 books2 followersElizabeth (Betsy) Mitchell has been a New York science fiction/fantasy editor for more than 30 years, publishing such authors as Terry Brooks, Naomi Novik, Octavia E. Butler and Peter F. Hamilton. She received a World Fantasy Award for co-editing the anthology Full Spectrum 4, and is the author of Journey to the Bottomless Pit, a biography of Stephen Bishop, an African-American guide who made many major discoveries in Mammoth Cave, Kentucky.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
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November 18, 2025The writing was a bit choppy at times, but it'd be a decent readaloud in a few years. Especially good if you've been in Mammoth Cave enough to imagine the places described.
September 10, 2022
Short, fast read. Nice complement to our recent Mammoth Cave Historical Tour
October 6, 2023
Great story - highly recommend. Really enjoyed the detailed descriptions of Stephen's explorations of the cave.
January 3, 2020
The first book I completed in 2020. Unexpected :) My son was reading the book and I just tagged along. Very good non-fiction! Knew about Mammoth Cave, but definitely not this much! Hopefully, I will visit one day.
As the name of the book clearly mentions, this book tells the story of the expert caver, Stephen Bishop and his exploration Mammoth Cave. Without his explorations, Mammoth Cave would not have existed. Mr. Gorin bought(!) Mammoth Cave for $5,000 in early 1800s. To raise/earn more money, he wanted to conduct tours by charging the visitors. He thought that if a slave worked as tour guide, he didn't have to pay him money and all the money earned would be profit. So he trained his slave Stephen Bishop at the age of seventeen. The boy being a bright person took an active interest in the cave, eventually started exploring to find new trails. The cave changed ownership along with went Stephen to his new masters. Thankfully, he was still kept as tour guide and explored in his spare time.
When he worked under Dr. Croghan, his master asked him to draw the map of the trails of Mammoth Cave. During his life time, the slavery rivalry reached its peak between Northern and Southern states. The book talks about this phase even though Stephen was not involved. Eventually, he was set free as per the will of Dr. Croghan. He died at 36, a very young age. Because he was tour guide to many famous tourists, including scientists, he was mentioned in their published articles and writings. Therefore, though a slave, Stephen also become world famous!! Finally, he got his due respect :)
Now the world know him as expert cave explorer!
As the name of the book clearly mentions, this book tells the story of the expert caver, Stephen Bishop and his exploration Mammoth Cave. Without his explorations, Mammoth Cave would not have existed. Mr. Gorin bought(!) Mammoth Cave for $5,000 in early 1800s. To raise/earn more money, he wanted to conduct tours by charging the visitors. He thought that if a slave worked as tour guide, he didn't have to pay him money and all the money earned would be profit. So he trained his slave Stephen Bishop at the age of seventeen. The boy being a bright person took an active interest in the cave, eventually started exploring to find new trails. The cave changed ownership along with went Stephen to his new masters. Thankfully, he was still kept as tour guide and explored in his spare time.
When he worked under Dr. Croghan, his master asked him to draw the map of the trails of Mammoth Cave. During his life time, the slavery rivalry reached its peak between Northern and Southern states. The book talks about this phase even though Stephen was not involved. Eventually, he was set free as per the will of Dr. Croghan. He died at 36, a very young age. Because he was tour guide to many famous tourists, including scientists, he was mentioned in their published articles and writings. Therefore, though a slave, Stephen also become world famous!! Finally, he got his due respect :)
Now the world know him as expert cave explorer!
September 7, 2015
This is a must read for anyone who plans to visit or is interested in Mammoth Cave,the largest cave system in the world. It is also the story of Stephen Bishop,a brave, brilliant, African-American man whose curiosity led to many great discoveries about the caves. Bishop was a slave in the 1830s who belonged to the owner of the cave. He was assigned the job of guiding tourists through the portion of the cave that was known at that time. The caves fascinated him. Stephen had been taught to read, so he gathered every opportunity to learn about the cave. He bravely devised ways to explore passages and tunnels where no one else had gone before. While the intended audience for this book may be middle grades, it is an interesting read for adults, too.
July 17, 2008
I really enjoyed reading this book. We just had a program about the mysteries of Mammoth Cave. The presenter works for the NPS and started his career as a Mammoth guide. He was the model used for the illustrations of Stephen Bishop by Kelynn Alder. I was picturing Kerry throughout the book!
May 9, 2015
One of my students recommended this to me. I really enjoyed it. Now I want to visit Mammoth Cave. It was interesting to me how much Stephen Bishop was trusted by his owners. I'm glad that he is finally getting the recognition that he deserves for the work that he did.
July 24, 2019
If you're looking for real-life adventure, try Journey to the Bottomless Pit: The Story of Stephen Bishop & Mammoth Cave by Elizabeth Mitchell. This is the true story of this guy, a slave in Kentucky in the 1830's, who explored and discovered huge parts of Mammoth Cave, which is the longest cave known in the world!
Stephen was really smart and had a great memory. He mapped the whole cave in his head, and, later, he made a map on paper, which is included in the book. So cool!
He also discovered a species of blind cave fish. And there are pits and secret rooms and underground rivers. Even though this is nonfiction, it's really exciting.
Stephen was really smart and had a great memory. He mapped the whole cave in his head, and, later, he made a map on paper, which is included in the book. So cool!
He also discovered a species of blind cave fish. And there are pits and secret rooms and underground rivers. Even though this is nonfiction, it's really exciting.
August 8, 2023
This book is a middle grade historical fiction/biography I bought at Mammoth Cave National Park. Many youth books are as interesting for adults as young people. This one would be a 4 ⭐️ for 4-5th graders but a 3 ⭐️ for adults. It’s strength is that it gave the quick introduction to Stephen Bishop that I wanted after visiting Mammoth. There is a more detailed adult book for sale about this extraordinary guide and explorer at Mammoth in the 1800’s. This was an enjoyable book to read aloud for teachers or anyone wanting that quick introduction. Now I want to read the adult one. I also bought this book to give it to my daughter who is a 5th grade teacher.
September 18, 2019
What a story! I loved the book and the way it told Stephen Bishop's story of slavery and cave exploration. This is an easy and enjoyable read that left me shaking my head at the terrible waste of humanity that was slavery and yet grateful that at least one man was able to pursue his passion in spite of it. It's a good reminder that things will work out as we work and hope and pray. I'm glad this author was inspired to study his story!
August 28, 2020
Overall a great account of Stephen Bishop and his time at Mammoth Cave. I had visited there recently and wanted to learn more about the history of the cave and the cave guide buried there.
The book was a little disappointing though as it wasn’t clear that the first half of the book was a collection of short stories by the author. I didn’t find those interesting and once I realized the situation I flipped through to find the main reason I purchased the book.
The book was a little disappointing though as it wasn’t clear that the first half of the book was a collection of short stories by the author. I didn’t find those interesting and once I realized the situation I flipped through to find the main reason I purchased the book.
December 23, 2020
Real and Inspiring!
I'm not usually one to read nonfiction books, but if the topics are history or science, then I'm all over them. In 2017, I went to visit Kentucky with my family and we saw Mammoth Cave, which sparked a new inspiration for me. As the caverns in the cave system were being described, it was like I was back there once again. Now, this book has me wanting to explore caves! Marvelous work, Elizabeth Mitchell!
I'm not usually one to read nonfiction books, but if the topics are history or science, then I'm all over them. In 2017, I went to visit Kentucky with my family and we saw Mammoth Cave, which sparked a new inspiration for me. As the caverns in the cave system were being described, it was like I was back there once again. Now, this book has me wanting to explore caves! Marvelous work, Elizabeth Mitchell!
December 21, 2022
For younger readers. The writing isn’t astounding and it’s creative non-fiction, so the author has taken a LOT of liberties.
Stephen’s story is one I’m so glad is being told! We learned about him, about Mammoth Cave and a lot about life during his lifetime. We are studying 1800-1900 right now and read this as a side book at breakfast occasionally.
We also visited Mammoth Cave afterward and it really made the visit and the book richer.
Stephen’s story is one I’m so glad is being told! We learned about him, about Mammoth Cave and a lot about life during his lifetime. We are studying 1800-1900 right now and read this as a side book at breakfast occasionally.
We also visited Mammoth Cave afterward and it really made the visit and the book richer.
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November 10, 2025The true story of Stephen Bishop, a slave who explored and mapped Kentucky's Mammoth Cave. Though he led countless tour groups through the cave and was the first to find and map its complex passages, Bishop was not given credit for his work. This is a story worth reading, for the amazing accomplishments of Bishop and his lasting impact on everyone who visits the site, and to learn about history lost to the inhumanity of slavery that is now documented.
December 15, 2025
A fascinating introduction to Stephen Bishop and to Mammoth Cave. The horrors of living as an enslaved person are glossed over, but it is still a valuable introduction that celebrates the explorer's spirit, curiosity and love of learning. It hopefully makes the reader want to explore and learn more about this man, this cave, and this time in history.
June 26, 2020
Interesting historical read but deeply relies on the "happy slave" narrative. It is troubling to read about a "grateful slave" when sources aren't provided to show the inner narrative of Stephen Bishop and his feelings are given voice generations later by a seemingly white woman.
July 24, 2020
Kentucky 1838. 17 year old Stephen Bishop, an African American and a slave, is chosen to be a tour guide Mammoth Cave. This is the story of how he learned about the cave and how he discovered different parts of the cave. An interesting read.
March 19, 2023
This is definitely a good read. For sure a short read, but it’s on a person that I think is interesting. Especially since he had such a love for the cave, even if was a slave and initially forced into the job.
December 25, 2024
I feel like slavery is a tricky topic to tackle as a secondary thread in a middle-readers book, and I'm not sure the author aced it. The descriptions of exploring Mammoth Cave, though, were very vivid and a great read before a visit.
May 14, 2017
Rather boring at first, but once he begins to explore the cave, it improves.
May 13, 2018
This was a great book based on an interesting and very intelligent man and has us itching to get to Mammoth Cave as soon as we can!
June 30, 2019
This was an interesting story on multiple levels. I couldn't say if Stephen Bishop's life or the cave he explored was more fascinating. Well worth the read.
February 10, 2020
What a story! What a man!
August 2, 2021
Didn’t realize this was a young adult bio until
I got it. But a lovely introduction to this famous cave explorer.
I got it. But a lovely introduction to this famous cave explorer.
September 14, 2022
Good book
It was a very good book
Very very good book amazing 10 outta 10 very good book
Food very good
It was a very good book
Very very good book amazing 10 outta 10 very good book
Food very good
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June 25, 2024A niche book: If you're getting ready to visit Mammoth Cave with your kids, I absolutely recommend it. If you're not, I would probably find something else.
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February 22, 2025Skimmed this. Makes you think about spelunking.
September 20, 2013
By the light of a solitary lantern and his burning ambition, Kentucky slave Stephen Bishop spends hours wandering his master’s cave; scaling huge rocks, squeezing into tight tunnels, and carefully crossing over black pits that seem to have no end. It’s hard (and sometimes dangerous) work, but Stephen loves every minute of it!
In the late 1830s Mammoth Cave is, more or less, an ordinary roadside attraction, merely a good place to visit on a hot day. The cave’s owner, Franklin Gorin, chooses seventeen-year-old Stephen to learn about the cave, and the stories behind it. Stephen would then become the head tour guide. The young slave quickly develops into a knowledgeable and entertaining guide, and people come from miles around to see such places as “the Rotunda”, “the Haunted Chambers”, and “Steamboat Rock”, and to hear about the folklore and legends that surrounds the cave.
Although Stephen enjoys his job as tour guide, the unexplored parts of the cave begin to gnaw at his curiosity. He decides to go exploring in his free time, and after some climbing, comes across a room unlike anything he has ever seen: “Most of the walls in Mammoth Cave were of gray stone. But this shaftway was beautifully colored. It looked as though an enormous yellow-and-white candle had melted down the curved walls. Streaks of red and black added even more color…Stephen was thrilled. Was he the first person ever to see this sight? He would not be the last, that was certain.”
After reporting his discovery, his excited master encourages Stephen to continue his exploration. Over the next two decades, Stephen’s discoveries make Mammoth Cave the largest and most famous underground attraction in the world. To this day, millions of people travel to Kentucky to walk the paths and to see the geological wonders first found by a young man with a thirst for adventure and education. Although not given the credit he deserved while he was alive (he was a slave, after all), the name of Stephen Bishop will be forever linked to the world’s most famous cave.
In the late 1830s Mammoth Cave is, more or less, an ordinary roadside attraction, merely a good place to visit on a hot day. The cave’s owner, Franklin Gorin, chooses seventeen-year-old Stephen to learn about the cave, and the stories behind it. Stephen would then become the head tour guide. The young slave quickly develops into a knowledgeable and entertaining guide, and people come from miles around to see such places as “the Rotunda”, “the Haunted Chambers”, and “Steamboat Rock”, and to hear about the folklore and legends that surrounds the cave.
Although Stephen enjoys his job as tour guide, the unexplored parts of the cave begin to gnaw at his curiosity. He decides to go exploring in his free time, and after some climbing, comes across a room unlike anything he has ever seen: “Most of the walls in Mammoth Cave were of gray stone. But this shaftway was beautifully colored. It looked as though an enormous yellow-and-white candle had melted down the curved walls. Streaks of red and black added even more color…Stephen was thrilled. Was he the first person ever to see this sight? He would not be the last, that was certain.”
After reporting his discovery, his excited master encourages Stephen to continue his exploration. Over the next two decades, Stephen’s discoveries make Mammoth Cave the largest and most famous underground attraction in the world. To this day, millions of people travel to Kentucky to walk the paths and to see the geological wonders first found by a young man with a thirst for adventure and education. Although not given the credit he deserved while he was alive (he was a slave, after all), the name of Stephen Bishop will be forever linked to the world’s most famous cave.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2012
Journey to the Bottomless Pit is a non-fiction story, written by Elizabeth Mitchell, which tells the story of Stephen Bishop and Mammoth Cave.
A strong part of the book that I notice was how the author made sure to tell minor events without getting into a long explanation. For example when the owner of Mammoth Cave, Dr. Crohagan pasted away, the author made sure to tell what he put in his will without going into a long explanation.
A part in the book that I feel needed a little work was how the author ended the book. I felt the way she ended the book was short, almost as if it was a cliffhanger. From the ending, I felt as if I have more and more questions about Stephen Bishop.
When I first started reading this book I enjoyed it, as I got further into the story I couldn’t keep my eyes out of the book. One of the reasons I couldn’t keep my eyes out of the book is because, the author made the book interesting by using descriptive words and facts. When there was a combination of the two I couldn’t my eyes out of the book.
I hope others will take a deep fascination for this book. Descriptive words and facts, is all it takes to write an amazing book like this. For those who enjoy non-fiction books I hope you enjoy this one.
A strong part of the book that I notice was how the author made sure to tell minor events without getting into a long explanation. For example when the owner of Mammoth Cave, Dr. Crohagan pasted away, the author made sure to tell what he put in his will without going into a long explanation.
A part in the book that I feel needed a little work was how the author ended the book. I felt the way she ended the book was short, almost as if it was a cliffhanger. From the ending, I felt as if I have more and more questions about Stephen Bishop.
When I first started reading this book I enjoyed it, as I got further into the story I couldn’t keep my eyes out of the book. One of the reasons I couldn’t keep my eyes out of the book is because, the author made the book interesting by using descriptive words and facts. When there was a combination of the two I couldn’t my eyes out of the book.
I hope others will take a deep fascination for this book. Descriptive words and facts, is all it takes to write an amazing book like this. For those who enjoy non-fiction books I hope you enjoy this one.
February 25, 2023
I read this book while teaching as an middle school librarian. Reading about Stephen Bishop's ability to understand the different depth levels and pathways throughout the cave and not getting lost or falling into an abyss was like experiencing a person who could play 3-D chess in the dark. Stephen was eventually allowed to use his master's study to draw on paper the maps that he held in his memory. After reading, we promptly chose a road-trip to Mammoth Cave and purposely took the lantern tour as one of our explorations. There is much to learn that is fascinating and celebratory concerning our vast and rich nation. Stephen Bishop's contribution was certainly one of them. You can also find his burial place on the grounds of this national park.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews