Welcome to Greenwood!
This cache is near the I65
Main Street exit and is easily accessible for travelers; as well
as, truckers.
In 1818, Captain Jacob Whetzel laid
out the "Whetzel Trace" which was the earliest route through
Johnson County heading east and west. The trail was finished
in 1819 and was only wide enough for a team of oxen. This
trail ran across Johnson County about 2 miles south of what is now
Greenwood's Main Street.
The first settlers to build a cabin
in what is now called Greenwood were brothers named John B. and
Isaac Smock. Within the next several years, they were joined
by other relatives. Greenwood was initially known as
Smocktown or Smock's Settlement but in 1825, the little community
officially adopted the name of Greenfield and organized what is now
known as Greenwood Presbyterian Church. (The same year that
Johnson County was formed and named after Judge John Johnson of the
Indiana Supreme Court.) The first school met in the
Presbyterian Church from 1826-1832 until a new church was built.
The Presbyterian Church moved into it's second building in 1832 and
the school continued to meet there. The new structure was simple
and only measured 40 x 50 feet.
In 1833, the town changed it's name
to Greenwood to avoid being confused with Greenfield located in
Hancock County.
The first post office was opened
inside an inn owned by George T. Noble in 1828. George Noble
was a brother of Noah Noble (Indiana's 5th governor). The
first postmaster was James Smock (a younger brother to John &
Isaac Smock). Another early business was John Wilson's saw
mill who began manufacturing coffins as early as 1828.
There is a series of caches placed
by truckdweller that are trucker friendly. I thought it was a
great idea so I've placed one that has semi parking nearby.
This cache is also very near the beginning of the Greenwood
Trails. (Admittedly, it is difficult to access from the trail
though!) The trail is part of Greenwood's Trails &
Greenways System. A map of the trail system can be found
here: http://www.greenwood.in.gov/department/division.asp?fDD=10-96
PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO ACCESS
THIS CACHE FROM THE INTERSTATE OR EXIT RAMP! There is ample
parking near the cache.