This cache is placed along an interpretive trail at Elmwood Junction in Hancock. The trail was established in 1920 by Sigmund Winiecki as his Eagle Scout project.
This cache is at the site of a ball signal, marking the crossing line of two rail lines. One ran north-south between Peterborough and Hillsborough. The other ran east-west between Nashua and Keene. According to the Elmwood station historical site,
"The crossing diamond of the two railroads was protected by a ball signal, which was a common type of signal at railroad junctions throughout New England. For one rail line, when two balls were raised it was all clear for a train on that line to cross. If only one ball was raised, the crossing was clear for trains on the other line. Elmwood's signals were two raised for Peterborough-Hillsboro trains and one for Nashua-Keene trains."
The cache is a small winter-friendly camo container, hanging around not far from where the ball signal was. An interpretive sign nearby shows pictures and details of the intersection and its ball signal.