The Cache is located a short distance from the base of The
Signal Beacon Steps. As a signal and gateway to one of Northern New
Jersey's historic caches: Limpidity-4: George Washington's
StairMaster placed 9/8/2001 By Stayfloopy.
During the Revolutionary War large fire beacons, cannons, and
flags were used to signal alarms. The fire beacons were used to
assemble the militia and indicate the direction of the approaching
enemy or any strategic military force movement undertaken by the
British.
In the spring of 1779, a chain of these beacons consisting of a
20 foot high log and brush pyramids were ordered and built in a
line along the highlands of New Jersey.
These beacons were placed on prominent hilltops. Incase of enemy
invasion these beacons were set on fire to notify the militiamen to
go to pre selected meeting places and prepare for a response to the
alarm.
This authentic beacon fire location is unique because of an
extensive set of stone steps cascading up the mountain. Reputedly
laid by engineers and/or scouts for General George Washington
during the Revolutionary War.
These Signal Beacon steps facilitated the climb to the south
face of the top of Watnong Mountain. This massive beacon fire was
used as a warning beacon to alert American troops in the Jockey
Hollow area.
