German Settlers in Texas Traditional Geocache
Breaktrack: Looks like we can't keep a cache out here. If I put out an ammo can, someone steals it, and if we put out any other kind of container, they don't last for one reason or another. Archiving this one as it's just not sustainable.
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(regular)
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ANOTHER new container has been placed as of 10/30/11. .30 cal ammo can with Geocaching stickers. New log book, pen, some small trade items. Room for plenty of items of all kinds. It is back up and running.
This cache tells a similar story to the virtual nearby. Be sure to get that one too.
This place called Indianola has a fascinating, although not well known, place in Texas history. Beginning in 1844 as primarily a debarkation port for German immigrants, it eventually grew to rival Galveston as a major Texas port. Sailing ships and steamboats came and went carrying people and goods to far-away ports. It was a terminus for an overland trail leading to the Pacific, and sported fine hotels and restaurants.
Disease and hurricanes were a constant threat and death was a frequent visitor. In 1875 a major hurricane devastated the town. Hundreds of people lost their lives, and others moved permanently inland. Some stayed or came back to resettle, and eventually the town and port once again thrived.
For eleven years, Indianola enjoyed prosperity, but in 1886 and even larger hurricane struck, and this time it was fatal. The survivors had had enough. The town was never rebuilt. Today the area is a small community of fishing cabins and some second homes.
This geocache is placed on the occasion of a gathering of descendants of one Heinrich Henke who landed at Indianola in 1856 and made a life and family in Fredericksburg. He also was the maternal grandfather of Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz, who was famous as the Commander of the Pacific Fleet in World War II.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
It's difficult to imagine the scope of the original town while at the site. A museum in Port Lavaca will give you an idea of what the bustling port actually looked like. Great if you can visit the museum first.(it is not open very much).
Calhoun County Museum
300 block of Ann Street.
Coords: 28-36.750, 096-37.519
Hours:
Tues-Wed - 10:30-4:30
Thures-Fri - 10:30-5:00
Sat - 10-3
As you approach Indianola, take a left turn at the sign to Magnolia Beach. This route will take you past 3 'banks' of signs detailing the history of the area. Enjoy
Congratulations to tx_mountainman for FTF!!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Oruvaq gur fvta gurer'f n yvggyr cngu,
Qba'g tb gb sne be lbh'yy gnxr n ongu.
Ybbx erny pybfr sbe gur terra nzzb pna,
Gura chg vg evtug onpx gb pbzcyrgr gur cyna.