As a man of the sea, this place has special meaning to my family
and I. You'll know what I mean when you visit the site and read the
plaque on the front of the statue.
I chose today to place this virtual cache because it was on this
date in 1891, the Norwegian bark Dictator sank in full view of the
visitors staying at the Princess Anne. The hotel guests and local
residents watched in horror as members of the Lifesaving Station
attempted to rescue the captain, his family and crew in rough seas.
Ten of the seventeen aboard made it to safety. Among those drowned
were the captain's wife and their four year old son. The beautiful
female figurehead that washed ashore from the wreck was placed
facing the site of the sinking as a memorial. In 1962, the eroded
and weathered wooden figurehead was replaced by a bronze replica of
the Norwegian Lady created by Norway sculptor, Oernulf Bast. The
new lady was presented to the city by the citizens of the
Dictator’s home port, Moss, Norway. A sister statue was placed in
Moss, facing toward the far Virginia shore.
Today is also the day that the USS Theodore Roosevelt and the
ships of her battle group returned home safely from Operation
Enduring Freedom.
Construction of the new park behind the Lady is complete.
PROVE YOU WERE HERE by posting a picture of
yourself in front of the statue. The Scoundrelettes like to see
pictures of other Geocachers.
If you don't have a digital camera with you you can take a look
at the new statues behind the Norwegian Lady. Send us an email and
tell the Scoundrelettes how many of the pilots are women. One of
the Scoundrelettes wants to be a pilot.