This is a multi-cache exploring the remains of the Millville Lock
on the Blackstone Canal and the "Triad Bridge" railroad site.
The Blackstone Canal was built in the 1820's to allow the
transport of goods and passengers between the cities of Providence
and Worcester. Locks were used to raise or lower the canal boats as
they passed upstream or downstream. The Millville lock was one of
48 stone lift locks, and the only one in Millville.
The Providence and Worcester Railroad came to the valley in the
1840's and quickly took most of the canal traffic. The P&W
crossed the Blackstone River in two places in Millville.
Another railroad line, the Southbridge and Blackstone, was built
in the 1850's. It later became part of the New York and New England
Air Line (NY&NE) between Blackstone, MA and Willimantic, CT.
This line crossed both the P&W and the Blackstone River right
next to one of the P&W bridges.
In 1914, another railroad, the Southern New England Trunkline
(SNE), was being built between Palmer, MA and Providence, RI. The
railroad grade was built, and bridge abutments and footings were
poured for a third bridge crossing the Blacktone River and then
crossing over both the P&W and the NY&NE. Hence the "triad
bridge" moniker. The SNE was never completed, but the grade, the
bridge abutments, and bridge footings still exist and are visible
near the river.
The posted coordinates will bring you to the first part of what is
now a traditional multi that contains the coordinates of the final
cache. While you're here, take a look at the remains of the
Blackstone Canal Millville Lock.
When the cache was placed there was a wooden bridge here so you
could cross the water to get to the Lock. The bridge washed away
during a period of high water in 2005. The number of planks on the
bridge was originally used in calculations for the final
coordinates, but the cache had to be modified.
Proceed to the final which is near the Triad Bridge site. It is
a small clear plastic jar. There is are various small items
available for trade.
There is an active rail line nearby. Please do not trespass. It
is illegal and dangerous to do so.
Parking is at 42 01.435 71 34.950.
