This is one of ten caches placed for the 2011 Cache Across Maryland. Each location was picked specifically to give you a taste of the state and show you just a part of its beauty. By combining all ten, you'll be able to see why Maryland is truly "America in Miniature". We hope you enjoy them!
Hoopers Island - with the "oo" pronounced like "book" not "hoop" - is the oldest settled area in Dorchester County. The "Island", which stretches over ten miles, is actually three islands -Upper Hoopers Island, Middle Hoopers Island, and Lower Hoopers Island.
Allegedly, the Island was originally bought from the Yaocomaco Indian tribe for five woolen blankets. In 1667, Henry Hooper, an immigrant from England, received a patent for the 100 acre tract, and along with settlers from Calvert and St. Mary's Counties, and Tidewater, VA, helped form four villages among the three islands. The Lower Island was eventually abandoned in the 1920s because of erosion.
Before television, Island natives spoke with a dialect similar to that of Shakespearean England. They originally grew wheat, tomatoes, and tobacco, but as of 1880, the majority of the residents have made their living in the seafood industry. Close to 500 residents call Hoopers Island their home, and for 300 years the descendants of the Island could be traced to just ten families.
Hoopers Island Lighthouse is located four miles west of Middle Hoopers Island, and can clearly be seen from most points on the Island. Built in 1902, and automated in 1961, it is one of only eleven pneumatic caisson lighthouses built in the US. It is the only lighthouse in Maryland with a watch room and lantern atop a tower.
Cache Information:
Due to the lack of community property on the Island, this hide will not include the typical hike to the cache. We feel confident that the drive to this beautiful location will more than make up for any hike that you would take elsewhere. This is a quick two-stage multi, parking is available within ten feet of each location. At the first stage you will find a micro with the coords to the final (we've actually hidden 2 micros at the first stage that contain the same coords, just in case one goes missing). All containers have been placed with permission.
Please be advised that there is just one small service station in the Hoopers Island Area (N38*20.626 / W076*13.841), so you may wish to fuel up in Cambridge before heading to the Island.
Other Nearby Caches:
GC1BA6D
GC1BA6F
GC2MXQH
GC2MXTR