The Search for the Lost Indian Cave of San Nicolas Island

I was stationed on San Nicolas in the Navy in 1972. There was a cave that had a sand floor, and went into the rock face next to the beach about 20-30 feet. It clearly was adequate to provide shelter from storms and rain. Access was difficult and we usually got there by climbing down a rope which exposed you to a 20 foot fall. We called the location the keyhole because of the shape of the surrounding tidal rocks. It had a beautiful little beach no more than 20 yards wide and most of the time there was a rope tied between two rock formations on either side of the beach. In summer you could approach by a short swim. Many of us explored the island every moment we weren't on duty. The only artifacts I ever observed were midden piles of abalone shells, which were plentiful and easy to harvest.

I have sailed/explored Santa Cruz since the'70's. I'm 51 now, in Idaho, and need to spend some time on the islands.... good video, thanks. my Idaho wife will not understand why I am heading to camp on St, Nicolas for a few days...

I grew up in the Redondo Beach/ Torrance area from 1960 until 1993. Spending my youth mostly at the Beacb, the story of Juana Maria oddly stirs me with mystery. I feel a real empathetic attitude towards this woman and living alone on a relatively small Island seems so Sad yet, when she was taken to Santa Barbara Island, she fit right in and somehow had learned the basic Dances and must have lived her short life after leaving her seclusion veryHappily and yet, wiring is around the corner being she passed away shortly after being free. The pain must have been insane being that any problems concerning our gut is a very serious painful experience. I only Pray that she given Morphine or one of its derivative to help her pass with as much Love and care as we Humans rather do for each other when not being forced to fight Wars that are not Wars but intricate power moves by the Greedy. The lecture is great I watched it twice and saved it as well. Thank You for all your research.

Was stationed there in the early 70s, loved it. Found many artifacts, fish hooks ect... made from abalone. Many caves on island, not surprised that they have found many things from the Island, which hadn't been discovered earlier. This is a mountain top with a spring at the very top, You'd think the people who lived there, would want to be close to the water source. Needless to say that my fellow shipmates and I have combed this Island and many more adventures for those who follow.

This is so awesome. No wonder you couldn't find the cave it was buried. I am surprised to see that the cave is so close to the water. Because of tides and storms. I grew up in SoCal. And the islands of the Blue Dolphin was required reading in elementary school. This story has stuck with me for over 50 years. So much so that after watching this video. I'm going to be making my own YouTube video. Thank you for all that you do in preserving history. It is much appreciated. I would love to interview you someday on my channel. My contact information is in the about of my channel

oh its the schwartz guy from the navy giving this lecture. been reading a lot about this story lately. fascinating

Just re-read the Island of the Blue Dolphins book recently and stumbled onto the news that the lone/lost woman's cave may have been found. Very interesting. I've never been to the Channel Islands but I'd sure love to go someday.

After a lot of talk the conclution of this video: no finding were made what so ever in this cave. Crazy

omg i love u. my fave book!

This was posted four years ago, just wondering what the state of the site and the research is today (May 2017)?

Any updates?

Maybe the cave has caved in with time and grass grew over it

I’m working on reading the book at my school right now lol

I know one that can't be seen from above or below if upon a particular island. Moreover, the entry is hidden by sand and soil carried by wind speeds of 50 knots or more. Me? National Speleological Society. Go figure.

And what do... we... know... of the date... 2024?

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Don't delve too deep you'll awake a Balrog

She made a hut. The frame was made from the rib bones of whales. Then she covered them with shrubbery. It was documented from when the spaniards came and rescued her when she was in her 50's. She hadn't been exposed to people so her immune system wasn't strong. She died 7 months after being rescued.

Sad that they never got to go back and finish the dig. Military shut them down. Said the where worried that they where damaging artifacts. Bs excuse to just not have to deal with them .

Great book read American Genocide and California Indian By Benjamin Madley