ST PAUL, Minn. — The historic Wabasha Street Caves are older than prohibition and cars, but are still finding ways to stay fresh.
"It is pretty wild I get to claim that I'm a cavewoman," said Faith Pon.
Pon is the newest owner of the caves, which date back to the Civil War.
Despite never living in the Twin Cities, Pon has a connection to St. Paul's underground.
"I think so many things that I've experienced in my past have brought me to this point," she said.
Pon visited the caves in the '90s and then lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for more than 15 years. She was heartbroken to learn they were closed last year.
Within a day, she said, she offered to buy the caves.
Now, with a brand-new website and upcoming children's tours, she's ready to bring more tourism to a city recovering from a long pandemic.
"It's just so unique and I'm thrilled to be a part of it," she said.
She's doing her best to keep its history alive, in a place where no matter where you are, you're never alone.
"It was very unnerving because all of the candles were turned on but none of us did it," Pon said, referring to an alleged haunted encounter. "We actually have reports of two ghosts that hang out at the end of the bar. There was a shootout and they neglected to remove the bodies; possibly in the sandstone three men are buried."
The new keeper of the caves wouldn't have it any other way.
"It is a joy to come here every day and be a part of the great things that come with owning the Wabasha Street Caves."
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