Black Warrior River Crossing on the AGR Multi-Cache

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David: Ask and you shall receive.

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Hidden : 3/7/2009
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size: micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:


The fifth in a series of river/railroad crossings.
Flint River Crossing on the NC&StL
Little River Crossing on the TAG
Tennessee River Crossing on the NS
Tennessee River Crossing on the CSX
Black Warrior River Crossing on the AGR


You cannot legally go to the posted coordinates and it would be incredibly dangerous to do so. The posted coordinates are for the bridge itself, which is the whole point of this geocache, however, nothing is hidden there. At least by me, anyway.

In the 1920’s, the St. Louis & San Francisco Railroad, known as the Frisco, constructed this rail line from Aberdeen, Mississippi to Kimbrough, Alabama to connect their existing operations north to a recently purchased line from Kimbrough to Pensacola, Florida. Known locally as the ‘New Line’, construction began on this section of rail in December 1926 and was completed in July 1928. 4.5 million cubic yards of dirt and rock were moved during this construction.

It crosses the Black Warrior River just north of Demopolis, Alabama on an automated lift span bridge. The bridge remains in the up position until a train approaches the crossing. If no boats are present, the bridge automatically lowers to allow the train to pass over. When the train is clear of the bridge, it automatically raises to the up position again to allow river traffic to pass.

Over the years, this line has changed hands more than once. The Frisco merged with the Burlington Northern Railroad in 1980 and then the BN merged with the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway in 1996 to form the BNSF Railway. Recently, the BNSF sold off several operating branches to RailAmerica, including the ‘New Line’.

Today, the Alabama and Gulf Coast Railway operates the line from Columbus, Mississippi to Pensacola and interchanges with several major railroads along the way.


Bridge side view photo and end view photo by David.

Click here to see more photos of the bridge in operation, and other railroading photos from the surrounding area.


Now that you have seen the bridge and read the really interesting stuff about it, go find this simple offset multi cache. It is a matchstick container. You will need to bring your own pen to sign the log. From the posted coordinates, you need to go 2,852 feet at 224 degrees to find it. Your GPSr can accomplish this task in at least one method, maybe more, depending on the model. Parking is available for no longer than you will need to find the container, and will hold one to two cars. Also, it would be best to keep the little ones in the car since this can be a busy highway at times. Be careful! Always be aware of your surroundings and think before you act.


Please return the cache container to the exact location and position in which it was found and email me with any problems. Remember that any information given in your log that might disclose the hide, location, or technique could make it easier for the next potential finder, but I'm not sure how. It's not in any of the bushes. Good luck and enjoy!

Why did I place this cache here? I wanted to bring this portion of rail history in the area to your attention.




Special note: SWSEC has kindly agreed to assist with cache maintenance as necessary.

Additional Hints (No hints available.)



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