In recent years, more and more bills have been introduced in Wyoming’s legislature that would transfer the management of federal public lands into the state control. In fact, legislators will discuss a constitutional amendment to allow state management of public lands in Cheyenne on December 14.

It’s not the first time the idea has been attempted though. Back in the 1950s, a national monument was handed over to the city of Cody. Wyoming Public Radio’s Melodie Edwards chatted with Buffalo Bill Museum curator Jeremy Johnston about why the Shoshone Caverns monument ultimately ended up back in federal hands.

Johnston starts the story with how the caves were first discovered.