State of Jefferson DeLorme Challenge, NOT! Traditional Cache
rock&crystal: Time to put this one to rest.
State of Jefferson DeLorme Challenge, NOT!
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Placed with owner's permission on private property. Please be respectful of antiquities here and this is not a night cache.
This cache is placed to honor an historical event that almost happened, and for many the belief is it still could and should.
This is an unusual and seldom heard story of what might have been the 49th State in the Union, before the state of Alaska. Google State of Jefferson for a more complete history and information. It's a "State of Mind".
As early as 1851 there was talk amongst the miners, loggers, and ranchers of the extreme northern new state of California and the restless southern Oregon territory about seceding to form a separate state.
The issues came to a head again in late 1941 when residents were upset with the lack of good roads and the deceit of there elected representatives who seemed to pay lip services to improving their needs, but once elected the constituents felt ignored. There was a sense of being "double crossed" which was reflected in the State Seal and Flag, with two offset Xs in the center of a yellow gold pan, on a forest green background.
In mid November, 1941 things came to a head. Meetings were held, plans were made, and a new flag and seal of the Great State of Jefferson were created. Men with hunting rifles and pickup trucks blocked the traffic on highway 99, and handed out copies of there secession proclamation to unwary travelers.
In the first week of December Judge John Childs was elected governor of the planned State. A celebration with bands and speechs went on into the night of December 4th as plans were made to bring the proclamation to both Salem and Sacramento. The news media from near and far were on hand to witness the event, and the plan was for national coverage during the week of December 8th throughout the country.
On December 7th, 1941, Pearl Harbor was attacked throwing the United States into a world war. The patriotic citizens threw their hearts and souls into the conflict and the plans for secession fell silent... at least for awhile.
This cache was originally to have been the final stage of the State of Jefferson DeLorme Challenge, but the powers that be decided it was not appropriate (yeah, we know) and besides, we "did get the State of Jefferson Counties published". So as not to leave geotrash laying around, and sense decisions won't change, we decided to make this a plain ol' regular cache.
Rock&Crystal Camo Heart Geocoin for the FTF
Jefferson $2 for STF
Congratulations to hafhas for the first to find!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
"fgrc" gb gur jngre chzc pvepn 1920-1930
Treasures
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