Probably formed during the Pleistocene epoch by the underground passage of the Cibolo River, Cascade Cavern combines geological, archeological, and historical features. It exhibits both joint and dip-and-strike cavern types and is home to unusual animals including cliff and leopard frogs, Mexican brown bats, and Cascade Cavern salamanders. Archeological evidence found near the cave indicates two Indian sites, and it is probable that Indians used the cave for shelter; soot on the sides of a natural chimney suggests that they had fires. Commercial development of the cave, earlier known as Hester's Cave, began in the 1930s. Its current name, taken from the seven waterfalls at the entrance to the cathedral room, was officially adopted in a 1932 ceremony led by State Attorney General James V. Allred, later governor of Texas. Over the years, Cascade Cavern has provided visitors and residents of the Boerne area with opportunities for recreation and exploration, and it remains one of the state's important geological sites.