Gardeau is the name of the valley where Mary Jemison lived for 52 years. She came to this location in 1779. When she arrived in this valley she was fleeing from the Sullivan Clinton Campaign that pushed the Native Indian population out of this region. She was given the Indian name Dehgewanus, which means “Two falling voices”, by her adopted Seneca sisters. She found a small log cabin on these flats that was occupied by a couple of runaway slaves. They allowed her and her children to stay that winter and she shelled corn for them as payment. In the spring the Runaway slaves moved on fearing their discovery by the settlers that were moving into the area and Mary made that cabin her home. At the treaty of Big Tree in 1797 Mary was awarded her own tract of land where she lived and farmed until 1831 when she decided to move to be with her people at the Buffalo Creek Reservation after the tragic deaths of her sons. She passed away in 1833 and was brought back to Letchworth Park by William Pryor Letchworth in March of 1874.
Park at N42.38.410 W077.58.995
I placed this cache to bring attention to this historic area of Letchworth Park. I have rated the terrain a 3 because that is for the journey back up the steep trail you need to travel to get to the cache. There are many roots and leaves on this trail and if conditions are wet it could be slippery. The cache is only a little ways off the trail and I ask that you ***please make every effort not to tear this place up looking for the cache. Put everything back in place and do not take logs or stumps apart looking for it, Thanks!*** Please be sure to know your limits before pursuing this cache because the climb back up the trail will get you huffing and puffing. I suggest taking the trail back up that you came down on because the lower loop is not maintained and can be a tough and muddy trek to make. Be sure to take the time to read the very informative plaque at the parking area, it is very interesting.
On your way to the cache I suggest stopping at N42.38.362 W077.58.946 for a spectacular view of the valley.
I would like to Thank Roland Beck, Park Manager for approving the placement of this cache.
Congratulations to Chicky for her first to find!