Black Vets. Traditional Cache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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Historic Plaque commemorating the settlement of Black venerans of
1812
The only government-sponsored Black settlement in Upper Canada, the
Oro community was established in 1819 to help secure the defense of
the province’s northern frontier. Black veterans of the War
of 1812 who could be enlisted to meet hostile forces advancing from
Georgian Bay were offered land grants here. By 1831 nine had taken
up residence along this road, now known as Ridge Road but then
called Wilberforce Street after the renowned British abolitionist.
Bolstered by other Black settlers who had been attracted to the
area, the community soon numbered about 100. The settlement
eventually declined, however, as farmers discouraged by the poor
soil and harsh climates gradually drifted away. Today only the
African Episcopal Church erected near Edgar in 1849 remains as a
testament to this early Black community. Other caches relating
Oro’s Black history are GC691C & GC131JM This cache is a
small to medium sized cammo covered platic lock-n-lock. When placed
contained log book and usual trinkets. There is good parking at N44
23.940 W079 37.386 alongside the rail trail rather than on Ridge
Rd. and its within 30 metres of this cache and several other nearby
"rail trail" caches. Caution: some poison ivy growing on forest
floor.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
"jvguva"