A unique coating of dogtooth calcite crystals which sparkle like jewels
in the light distinguish Jewel Cave from other crystal caverns in the
Black Hills and provided its name.
One of the finest stands of virgin ponderosa pine remaining in the Black
Hills is found within the monument which was established in 1908. It was
originally part of the present Harney National Forest but was
transferred to the National Park Service, by Executive Order, in 1934.