Historic Gretna Traditional Geocache

This cache has been archived.

no_angel: Archiving this cache, as it is too difficult for cachers to read the description and look for the cache inside the museum, during museum hours.

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Hidden : 7/12/2008
Difficulty:
1 out of 5
Terrain:
1 out of 5

Size: Size: regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

Congratulations to 4heberts for FTF!

This cache has been placed in honor of the National Great River Road's 70th Anniversary Geocaching Event (http://www.experiencemississippiriver.com/geocaching.cfm). Gretna is the spot where the Great River Road crosses the Mississippi River and follows the river along its west bank to the Gulf of Mexico. The cache is located in the Gretna Historical Society Museum Complex. Enter the museum at the coordinates and ask the attendant about the cache. The museum complex is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10AM to 3PM. You do not have to pay admission to find the cache, but you'll enjoy taking a step back in time if you do tour the museum. Admission is $4 per adult and $1 per child. The cache is large and has been stocked with Louisiana souvenirs and kid-friendly swag. When signing the log, be sure to make note of the special code inside the back cover; this is needed to participate in the Great River Road's 70th Anniversary Geocaching Event. The City of Gretna incorporates 3 early New Orleans area settlements: Mechanikham, McDonoghville and Gretna. The village of Mechanikham was settled by German immigrants around 1836 on land belonging to Nicholas Destrehan. McDonoghville was founded by New Orleans philanthropist John McDonogh in 1815. Gretna was established by the St. Mary's Market Steam Ferry Company in 1838 to help promote use of the ferry between New Orleans and the growing settlement on the west bank of the river. Gretna formally became a city in 1913. The name Gretna had been popularly applied to the general area for many years due to a certain justice of the peace who would perform wedding ceremonies at the drop of a hat. Apparently the justice was inspired by a popular play, "Gretna Green", which celebrated the Scottish town of Gretna Green where clandestine marriages often took place. The Gretna Historical Society Museum Complex is a collection of historic buildings that includes three 19th century Creole cottages, a blacksmith shop and the Louisiana Fire Museum. One of the cottages was originally built around 1845 by Claudius Strehle, an early German settler in the area. The Strehle house is furnished as an everyday home from the late 19th/early 20th century. The Louisiana Fire Museum is home to the original pumper truck (1876) of the David Crockett Volunteer Fire Company - the longest continuously working volunteer fire company in the country. The blacksmith shop is an actual working smithy where couples still get married! While you're in Gretna, wander 3 blocks west to Huey P. Long Ave., the heart of "old" Gretna. At Huey P. Long Ave. and the Mississippi River (1st St. runs parallel to the river), you will find the Gretna ferry landing. Walk up to the levee for a great view of New Orleans and the Crescent City Connection. There is a paved walking/bike path along the top of the levee from the Gretna ferry to the Algiers ferry. Also along Huey P. Long Ave. you'll find the Gretna Farmer's Market (only on Saturday mornings), the Jefferson Parish Courthouse complex, Gretna Cit Hall, the old Southern Pacific Railroad Depot and several local restaurants (in case you need a break from geocaching!).

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