This cache is found just outside the Wallowa County Museum, in Joseph. This building had an interesting history. It was origonally a bank. And on October 1, 1896, it was robbed by Dave Tucker and his gang.
The story goes that Dave Tucker, only 25 at the time, along with Ken Brown, Ben Owensby, and a mysterious individual known as Cy Fitzhugh rode up to the bank on horseback, dismounted, pulled bandanas over their faces, and went in with guns drawn. They managed to "withdraw" $2,000. Not bad for the time and being an end-of-the-road town. But then they had to make their getaway. Angry townspeople pulled their guns on the outlaws and began shooting. Brown was shot dead outside the bank and Tucker got his trigger finger and part of his thumb blown off, plus recieving some buckshot to the hip. He, along with Owensby, were captured. Fitzhugh, who interestingly enough happened to have the money, got away without being shot once. He stampeded his horse all the way to the Snake River, all the while being chased by a posse. However, he managed to swim his horse across the river and disappeared into the Seven Devils Mountains.
Dave Tucker's wounds healed and he was released from prison less than five years later. He became a succesful rancher in the County. An ironic twist to the story is that he later became vice president of the bank he helped rob!
However, Tucker never forgave himself. He always felt bad for what he had done. In fact, at one point, the County owed him $5,000. However, he cancelled the debt, figuring he owed this to the world plus more for all he had done.
Some of Tucker's family went on to become famous in the rodeo business. This led to the Wallowa County Rodeo and Chief Joseph Days being started.
So as you find this cache, think of the history involved in this building and how it has affected us today.
The cache itself is a small plastic cannister. It is slightly larger than a micro, as it can hold some small swag along with the log.
Enjoy this cache and welcome to the Wild West!