Bullitt (1807-68) was a journalist and politician born in Louisville, Kentucky. He practised law for several years before entering politics and moved to New Orleans around 1840. He served as state legislator from 1846-47 and as a member of the city council from 1847-48. He supported Zachary Taylor in the presidential election of 1848 and followed Taylor to Washington where he edited the Washington Republican from 1849-50. From 1850-c.54 he travelled extensively in Europe before returning to Louisville. Mammoth Cave in central Kentucky is the longest cave system known in the world and throughout the 19th century its fame grew rapidly, making it an international sensation and attracting the attention of many writers including Robert Montgomery Bird and Nathaniel Parker Willis. Bullitt's book about his visit of 1844 to what his publisher describes as the 'Wonder of Wonders' appeared in 1845 and gives a wealth of detail about the Cave's history and the extraordinary sights he observed on his several tours.