Welcome to Wheelersborough, now known as Hampden, Maine.
Incorporated as Hampden, it was originally know as
Wheelersborough,
so named after the original settlers who made their home in
the
general area of where the cache is located. Like many
communities
along Maine's navigable waters or sea, Hampden is steeped in
history. Hampden saw activity during the Revolutionary War as
well
as the War of 1812, specifically the Battle of Hampden. In
September of 1814, the naval frigate USS Adams which had run
aground on Isle Au Haut, limped up the Penobscot River and
arrived
in Hampden to repair, under the command of Capt Charles
Morris.
Having captured Castine, the British now set their sights on
the
capture of the USS Adams. Commanded by Capt Robert Barrie,
the
battleship HMS Dragon as well as 2 other warships, made it's way
up
the Penobscot seeking the Adams. Outgunned and outmanned,
Capt
Morris requested assistance of the local militia to defend the
USS
Adams after having stripped the cannon.
On the morning of September 3, 1814, about 400 local
militia
including crew of the Adams tried to hold off a superior force
of
British regulars. Led by Brig General John Blake, the militia
line
failed to hold and the battle was lost. The USS Adams was
scuttled
and burned and many of the defenders fled. The British
captured
approximately 70 citizens, later to be released in the coming
days.
However, British troops looted and sacked Hampden. In fact,
when
nearby Bangor learned of the sacking, the selectmen of Bangor
surrendered to Capt Barrie.
Interestingly, the defeat led to the court martial of Gen
Blake
as well as Lt Col Andrew Grant and Maj.Joshua Chamberlain of
Brewer,
grandfather of the later Civil War general. Both Blake and
Chamberlain were exonerated however Grant was found guilty of
conduct unbecoming an officer.
The coordinates will bring you to a rock that holds a plaque.
On
the plaque are a few facts regarding Hampden. Please take a
moment
to look at it, this is why I've brought you here. To log the
physical cache, now proceed to
N 44 44.924 W 068 49.977. In fact, while looking at the plaque,
look to your right and towards
the road and I'm sure you'll recognize where the cache is placed.
By the way, it's BYOP.
The cache is not on private property, however I recommend
stealth due to local traffic and kayaking activities in the
spring.
Congratulations to Mainiac1957 on the FTF!