County Work Farm Cliffs Multi-Cache
bookman56: No one has been here in months and there is construction work being done about 30-40 feet away, so I decided to close it down.
Thanks to all who visited!
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Back in the 1860's, Allegheny County built a work farm near the town of Hoboken. The town later changed its name to Blawnox, in honor of the steel mill that was located there. Many years later, Blawnox grew to include the work farm with-in its boundries.
Most of the "inmates" were those who couldn't pay their debts and inebriates. Later inhabitants were convicted of much more serious crimes! To raise money and to feed themselves, they farmed the land on the hills over the prison. Inside were a shoe shop, broom and barrel shops, laundry and knitting departments, along with the dairy, fruit and vegtable farm. The farm itself closed down in the mid 60's. The prison finally shut down in 1971.
For many years after, the walls of the building stood as a mute testimony of what used to be. In time, developers bought the land and transformed what were once country fields, into an industrial park, full of modern companies. Today, there are still remnants of the prison walls flanking Freeport Road and occasional remnants of structures hidden in the woods and fields between the buildings.
I was surprised to see that there is only 1 other cache in the park and I am trying to change that with this.
This cache is off in a section that will never be developed. At one time, it was a short walk from the prison, but since Rt.28 has been built, it would take quite a bit of time to walk to it.
Suggested parking is at....N40 29.799 W79 52.522
Don't park on Rt. 28 or near the neighbors houses please!
There are 3 caches, 2 micros which tell you where to go for the next find. The final cache is a standard ammo box.
Be careful! This area has some cliffs, sections can be muddy and slippery at times, deer hunters frequently show up, so be sure to wear orange during bow season. Try to avoid the area after any strong rain, the area shows signs of flooding at times.
Most important of all, I hope you enjoy the walk and have fun!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
1fg- gbb rnfl sbe nal uvagf
2aq- vs guvf unf lbh fghzcrq, xrrc ybbxvat!
Svany- Vg'f va gur pyvssf
Treasures
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