Old Valley Pike: Summers-Koontz Tragedy Traditional Cache
Old Valley Pike: Summers-Koontz Tragedy
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(micro)
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
The third of a series of caches designed to point out the history that is abundant along US Route 11, also known as the Old Valley Pike.
After Lee had surrendered at Appomattox on April 9, 1865, Civil War fighting continued. On May 22 of that year, members of the 7th Virginia Cavalry, including locals Capt. George W. Summers and Sgt. I. Newton Koontz, robbed six Federal cavalrymen of their horses near Woodstock. The story is that the horses were returned the next day, and the men were assured that their crime had been pardoned. But before June was over, Summers and Koontz were arrested at their Page County homes (on the other side of the mountain to the east). It was at this site that Summers and Koontz were executed without trial. The monument at this site was erected in 1893 under the supervision of Capt. T.J. Adams. Up until the last year or two, it sat inaccessible in the middle of cow pasture. One of the signs at the site tells about those who worked to make the monument more accessible. They are to be commended. As I prepared to post this geocache, I see that there's a book on Amazon by a local historian about the Summers-Koontz Tragedy. I may have to check that out now. Also, feel free to read more about the area's role in the 1864 Valley Campaign and the Battle of New Market. Cache notes: -- This cache is located near a busy road, so use caution. -- There's plenty of room to pull off and park on the southbound side of the road, the same side as the monument. -- The pathway to the monument is ringed by cow pasture. The farm fence carries electric current, so keep the young ones away from it. -- Look out for moo-gles. -- The pathway goes uphill and is made of small gravel. It is probably not handicap-accessible. Distance is only a matter of yards. No hiking required. -- Please be careful when retrieving and replacing the micro cache so as not to compromise its hiding place. -- No need to move anything to retrieve the cache container.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Srapr, ohg abg jbbqra.