The printed MML Passport is no longer available.
However, you may download a copy from the MML website here.
The
trail consists of 11 MML Districts (regions).
The MML Geocache Trail project will launch January 1, 2009 with 78
participating cities and towns. A trackable geo coin will be given
to the first 500 geocachers as an incentive for locating at least 2
municipal caches in each of the 11 districts. To be eligible for
the coin, geocachers must pick up a Passport at any of the
designated county visitor centers. Geocachers must use the stamp in
the cache on their Passports and write down the cache code word
listed in each cache. After at least two municipal caches in each
district are discovered, geocachers may return to one of the county
visitor centers and have their Passports validated to receive their
collectable coin.
For a complete list of participating visitor centers visit the MML
web site at http://www.mdmunicipal.org/mmlhome/index.cfm or MGS web
site at www.mdgps.org.
A Brief History of Hancock
The first European settlers in the area that was to become
Hancock came in the 1730’s. As an outpost on the frontier
edge of Maryland, the area known as "Tonoloway Settlement" was
subject to the ravages of Indian raids. At the height of these
raids, Maryland Provincial Governor Horatio Sharpe ordered a series
of forts to be built along the Potomac. In 1755, Lt. Thomas
Stoddert, with a crew of 15-20, was sent out to build a stockade
fort in the "Tonoloways" (now Hancock).
By the time of the Revolutionary War, the settlement boasted
some twenty odd houses. Many names have been associated with the
general area — Tonoloway Settlement, Northbend, and William's
Town among them. It is generally held that the name Hancock derived
from Edward Joseph Hancock Jr., who operated a ferry here prior to
his enlistment in the 8th Pennsylvania regiment.
A growth spurt came with the construction of the C&O Canal National Historical
Park, which ran from Georgetown in Washington D.C. to
Cumberland, MD. It reached Hancock in 1839. Hancock boasted two
business districts, one on Main Street and the other on Water
Street. Wharves extended from the various warehouses to take trade
directly to or from the canal boats.
As the National Pike was extended westward (circa 1818), the
town boomed as stagecoach inns, liveries, and blacksmith shops
dotted the Main Street. The Western Maryland Railroad completed its
line through Hancock in 1905, bringing further benefits to the town
and a more rapid growth in the economy. It was about this time,
too, that the Woodmont Rod and Gun Club began a tradition of
hosting presidents and other celebrities seeking the unspoiled
wilderness of the Hancock area.
Today, Hancock continues its long tradition as a center for
hosting travelers and as a place to escape from a fast paced world.
Visitors are encouraged to come and see all that Hancock has to
offer.
The CACHE is located in Joseph Hancock Jr. Park, along West Main
Street. Come, bring a picnic, and spend some time enjoying the
area. There is nearby parking and also easy access to/from the
Western
Maryland Rail Trail (WMRT) which run through the heart of
Hancock alongside the C&O Canal.
Hancock Thanks You for Visiting
Thanks to WVKiwi for helping with this hide!
Thanks to the Maryland Geocaching Society for assisting
with this project!
