Ft. Randall Chapel Traditional Cache
Christopher Pike: As it has been over 2 years since this cache was disabled, and almost a year since the last maintenance note with no attempt to resolve the issues (container, permits, etc), regrettably I have to archive this.
Thank you for all your contributions to the game, and I hope to see more of your placements in the future.
Regards,
Christopher Pike
volunteer reviewer
Dakota.Reviewer@gmail.com
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(micro)
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You can drive right up to the location - excellent parking
I spent some time trying to figure out where to hide a cache in this area that would respect the area. Searched the grounds and came back to the area of the chapel. So here is the story about this place:
First conceived by Lt. Colonel Pinkey Lugenbeel and designed by George Bush (post carpenter), the combination chapel, library and lodge was erected in 1875 with the sweat from many a soldier and at a cost of approximately $20,000.
Built in the shape of a cross, the yellow chalk rock, red cedar and black walnut cathedral-style building including a bell tower with a winding staircase. A large organ and bell that could be heard from miles around were installed. Upon abandonment in 1892, and with exception of the chapel, the fort’s buildings and contents were sold at auction and removed by the settlers.
Later, the chapel and its contents were sold at a private sale. In 1896, the 36-inch, 550-lb. steel church bell found a new home in the belfry of the Springfield, SD city hall. Since that time, the chapel has deteriorated. In 2003, the US Army Corps of Engineers, assisted by the National Park Service and local historical societies, worked to restore the historic chapel. At the same time, local historians directed their efforts at returning the bell to its original site. Military retirees Dick Barta of Vermillion, SD, and Don Barta of Wagner, SD, along with Almon Adam of Pickstown, SD, and a former resident of the Fort Randall community, convinced the bell’s caretakers that the bell should be returned to its home. The bell found its way back home in the summer of 2004.
The cache container is a two in long aluminum Geocaching container with a screw on lid. The container, where it is hidden is not visible – it is hidden in a manner that is a popular Geocaching method in urban areas – the method is described by three letters. I would love to give you the letters but that would take all the fun out of it.
The chapel property is federal property and no trespassing is allowed!!!!! Do not cross the fence line – the cache is not inside of the fence – obey the signs…… You do not have to take anything apart to find the cache – you may have to look inside of something though.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Lbh jvyy or gnccvat lbhe gbr naq fpengpuvat lbhe urnq gelvat gb svther guvf bar bhg.
Treasures
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