Finding Fort Reed Multi-Cache
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THE POTENTIAL LOCATION OF FORT REED Author Lou Bernard, Curator The
Heisey Museum in Lock Haven, PA
Fort Reed was built in the Lock Haven area in the 1770s as a
defense against Indian attacks. It was built by William Reed and
his wife Jenny, who had a cabin in what is now the Lock Haven area.
They built a stockade around their cabin, and Fort Reed became the
westernmost station on the line of forts that began with Fort
Augusta, in Sunbury.
In 1778, Fort Reed was abandoned during the Great Runaway. When the
Indians attacked, the people of Fort Reed fled to Fort Augusta, not
returning for years. The Reeds themselves went to Chester County,
and returned eight years later to their cabin. Not long after, they
purchased other properties of their own, and continued to live in
the area until William’s death in 1808.
The location of Fort Reed has been thought to be a mystery, and
improvable for years. In 1899, a monument was placed by the Grafius
House, at 217 East Water Street in Lock Haven. This was widely
declared to be the location of Fort Reed, though there has been
some doubt about that over the years.
The Clinton County Historical Society advances the theory that
part of Fort Reed may have been on the property now known as the
Heisey Museum, at 362 East Water Street, and not where the monument
is place by the Grafius House. There is some evidence to suggest
this.
In all the time the Historical Society has owned the museum, the
grounds have never before been excavated and fully explored. In the
summer of 2006, the society became interested in discovering more,
and staff and volunteers began to hold test digs in various
locations around the grounds.
In early August, a foundation was discovered behind the museum. The
foundation was made of stone and mortar. The southwest corner of
the foundation is 9 meters and 25 centimeters south of the southern
wall of the museum. The top of the foundation is 70 cm below land
level, and extends 52 cm deep. It’s 50 cm thick, and runs 3 m 21 cm
in length along one side. The other dimension of length cannot be
determined yet—Further excavation is needed, and the museum’s
outhouse will have to be moved to accomplish this. So far, the
uncovered portion is 170 cm long. The property of the museum itself
is 120 feet by 160 feet, bordering on Water Street to the north. It
is 210 feet east of the Bald Eagle Canal. The building that now
houses the museum was built in 1831, and was purchased by Jerry
Church and sold to the Devling brothers, who ran a hotel in the
building. The foundation of the museum is 2 m 14 cm tall, including
the basement. It extends 26 cm above current ground level, which
would be 96 cm above the old foundation.
The Clinton County Historical Society feels that this foundation
may have been one of the buildings located within the stockade of
Fort Reed.
This is a two part multi-cache. The posted coords take you to a
micro with the set of coords for the final cache. (an ammo can) The
Heisey Museum has given permission for cachers to be on the
property at any time, (24/7 ~but use good judgment please)
regardless if the museum is open or closed. There is full access to
the fenced area. Simply be sure to leave the gate as you found it.
There is no digging involved, but the archaeological dig in the
back of the property is fascinating to see. You don’t need to stay
on the brick walk, but be careful of the flowers! If you have time,
visit the museum! The home is beautifully restored and kept in the
Victorian Era style. They are open 10am-4pm Monday thru Friday and
special events as posted. Call 570-748-7254 for more
information.
This cache is approved and sponsored by the Clinton County
Historical Society and The Heisey Museum in Lock Haven,PA.
Visit their site at
"http://www.clintoncountyhistory.com">
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