Welcome to Georgetown Traditional Cache
Ninja Reviewer: As there's been no cache to find for a long time, I'm archiving it to keep it from showing up in search lists, and to prevent it from blocking other cache placements.
Please note that if geocaches are archived by a reviewer or Geocaching HQ for lack of maintenance, they are not eligible for unarchival.
-Ninja Reviewer
Geocaching volunteer reviewer
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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DO NOT attempt to park on rte 17. There is a convenient place just north of the cache. Uneven terrain with a multitude of bugs that like to bite - at least they like to bite ME! Bug repellent mandatory in the summer months. (they literally chased me back to the car to put on repellent)
Few other areas in America contain more history or charm than Georgetown, South Carolina. From its earliest beginnings as the probable site of the first European settlement in North America in 1526, to its present status as a vibrant and gracious city of 9,000, Georgetown has long been known for its warm hospitality and Southern charm.
The third oldest city in South Carolina, following Charleston and Beaufort, Georgetown was founded in 1729 and became an official port of entry in 1732. Prior to this, all foreign exports and imports had to pass through Charleston. Duties and the added freight had to be paid there. With the designation of Georgetown as a port of entry, the area's merchants and planters could deal directly with all ports, bypassing Charleston.
The first permanent settlers to the area were the English who were actively involved in the Indian trade. French and Scots settlers arrived shortly after and added to an expanding English contingent. During these early days of settlement most were either traders, planters or producers of naval stores.
Georgetown played an active role in the American Revolution by sending Thomas Lynch, Sr. and Thomas Lynch, Jr. to the Continental Congress where the younger was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. British troops occupied Georgetown from July, 1780 to May, 1781. Many of the skirmishes between Francis Marion, the Swamp Fox, and British troops took place in Georgetown County.
From the years of early settlement, through the Revolutionary War and up to the advent of the Civil War, Georgetown flourished. Indigo and rice became the major crops of the area. Prior to the Revolution, the British Parliament encouraged the production of indigo with a bounty. The ready market for the blue dye enabled planters to make large fortunes quickly. With the advent of the Revolution, however, this bounty ended and the planters of the area turned to rice for their economic well being. The many swamps and low-lying areas by the tidal rivers and the large labor supply made the cultivation of this crop highly profitable. By 1840, the Georgetown District (County) produced nearly one-half of the total rice crop of the United States and the port exported more rice than any port in the world. The local variety called "Carolina Gold" was in demand worldwide. This labor intensive crop provided great riches for the planters.
The Civil War changed the whole way of life for this region. The reconstruction period that followed was a social, political and economic upheaval. The rice crops following the war were failures, and rice could no longer support the economy of Georgetown. The combination of the disruption of the work patterns, competition from Southwestern rice growers, and several devastating hurricanes spelled the end of the once fabulous rice culture by the dawn of the twentieth century.
The need for an economic alternative to rice was met by lumber. The Atlantic Coast Lumber Company was incorporated in 1903. By 1914, it was the largest lumber producing plant on the East Coast.
Commercial fishing has become a significant industry. In recent years, retirees and vacationers have contributed greatly to the well-being of the area. Tourism has become an increasingly significant element in the area's economy.
Georgetown's long history combined with its diversity of cultures, linkage to the sea, triumphs, defeats and revitalizations have all contributed to create an area known for its charm and beauty.
The container contains a log book and small trade items. There is a nice prize for FTF. The lid to the cache just pulls straight off. Unscrewing the lid is not necessary. Please make sure the lid is fully closed when replacing it and any tell tale "evidence" fully enclosed in the cache. If you look in places that do not hold the cache please try to return those places to their previous appearance. I don't think this cache will be too difficult for most but since there are so many nooks and crannies in the area maybe it will offer a slight challenge. Have fun.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
crgre ivpgbe puneyvr