Barber Springs Earthcache
Barber Springs was discovered in 1871 and led to the development of what is now the city of Center Point. The area grew into the largest unincorporated area in the United States in the 1960s because of available water from the springs. The city was finally incorporated in 2002 and owns the springs and the surrounding land, and turned it into a park in 2009.
Geology of the Springs and the surrounding area
Barber Springs is an aquifer spring located in Jones Valley, between Red Mountain and Sand Mountain, in an area marked by sandstone outcroppings and lakes and ponds in the low-lying areas. Barber Springs is located near Five Mile Creek, a feeder stream for the Cahaba River.
Due to the terrain and porous landscape, water flowing in the creek and underground through the sandstone creates the springs, where the underground water meets the surface. The minerals in the sandstone create a natural filter for the water, and makes it suitable for human consumption.
History of Barber Springs
Evidence around the site of the springs shows that native Americans inhabited the area around the springs as early as the 18th century. In 1871, the Reed family discovered the springs, and moved in. Soon, several other families moved in. During the early years residents came from miles to the springs in their wagons. They brought buckets to gather the free water to take home. They could fill one bucket and wait for the springs to fill up again before filling another bucket. The wagons were backed up for miles waiting in line for water. Years later the owners finally started charging three dollars a month for water.
In the early 20th century, Arlie Barber built a pavilion around the springs to protect them. Since that time, the spring has officially been known as Barber Springs. The rock structure still stands, though the roof has only recently been replaced by the City. Mr. Barber ran a seed company next to the springs, and the springs are now named after him. Without the natural springs, Center Point and the surrounding area in northeast Jefferson County would not have been inhabited.
When the city was finally incorporated, the leaders chose Barber Springs as the city's logo. It adorns the sides of city vehicles, letterhead, and of course their website.
Logging Requirements
In order to log this cache, you must send the answers to the following questions to the cache owner.
1. Estimate the circumference of the enclosure.
2. How fast would you estimate the flow rate of the springs to be?
Please also post an optional picture of yourself and/or team at the cache coordinates.
Failure to follow the above guidelines will result in your log being quietly deleted.