Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico

By 1927 Jim White had begun to see his fondest dreams materialize -- those dreams about showing to the world what was to become Carlsbad Caverns National Park. People from literally all over the world were hearing of it, and were arriving in crowds.

Early that summer the Government appointed a resident custodian to administer the Monument. During the next two years tourist facilities, equipment and improvements moved so fast it was hard for Jim to keep up with the progress. Approximately three miles of trails were completed in compliance with modern engineering standards. Diesel engines and huge generators were installed, and the soft glow from hundreds of electric lights replaced Jim White's crude, home-made kerosene torches. A lunch room was equipped in the depths of the cave -- not far from the spot where the Kid set Jim afire one day long ago.