C&O Canal, The Bowels House Mystery Cache

The rhythmic plodding of mule shoes on the dirt path as canawlers blow their horns and call out to one another as they pass by are the sounds that one expects to hear as they step onto the front porch of the historic Bowles House. Nestled along the towpath in Hancock, Maryland at milepost 123 the Bowles property has seen its share of American history. Originally built as a one-story structure in the 1790’s by William Yates, on a hill overlooking the Potomac River, the 220 year old structure is illustrative of life on the canal and an era long ago. A witness to early settlement on the undeveloped land, a race west between rail and water, and a period of transition as advancements in transportation eased the country into the twentieth century, making canal life along the towpath obsolete.

The Bowles House property originally is a historic farm house dating to the 1780’s that pre-dates the C&O Canal. The house was built by the Yates family and was named "Sarah’s Fancy." It occupied 685 acres; however, over time the land was divided into smaller parcels. In 1875 the house was then sold to the William Bowles family who enlarged the house to its present appearance during the height of canal operations. When they acquired the property it included a large bank barn, wagon shed, and smokehouse.

In 1905, the property was sold to William and Laura Little. Descendents of the Little family continued to reside in the house until the 1980’s; the house was purchased by the Park Service in 1982.

In May 2010, the Bowles property became the new C&O Canal Hancock Visitor Center, allowing it to serve a different purpose in history, telling the story of canal life. Adjacent to the towpath, the new Hancock Visitor Center in the Bowles House will offer a unique piece of history to towpath travelers and I-70 and Route 144 passengers.

Inside, visitors can explore the house, observing rare photos capturing the late 19th century, new exhibits featuring interpretive text, and audiovisual programs.
Outside, visitors can enjoy a short walk to Locks 51 and 52, and the Tonoloway Aqueduct, all within view from the front porch.

If you are passing through Hancock this summer by towpath stop by the Hancock Visitor Center at the Bowles House. Enjoy a break in the shade while sitting on the front porch and make a point to explore the new interior exhibits and furnishings, and the surrounding towpath area.

The Bowles House is located at 439 East Main Street, Hancock, and sits directly overlooking Lock 52 and the Tonoloway Aqueduct on the C&O Canal at milepost 123. The Bowles House is also easily accessible from the Western Maryland Rail Trail near mile marker #9.

Directions: From the East: Take I-70 W to Hagerstown/Hancock and exit to left off interstate exit 3 (MD-144 to Hancock). After the ramp bear right on E Main St for approximately 0.4 miles followed by a left hand turn across from the truck stop into the parking lot for the visitor center.

From the West: From the National Freeway take the I-70 E exit 82AB to Hagerstown/Hancock/Winchester. Continue on I-70 and exit off interstate exit 3 (MD-144 to Hancock). After the ramp bear right on E Main St for approximately 0.4 miles followed by a left hand turn across from the truck stop into the parking lot for the visitor center.

Once you have visited and Enjoyed The Bowels House and C&O Canal Lock # 52. You can do some basic math to complete this Puzzle cache.

Using the North Coordinate add .218 to the final digits and Using the West Coordinate subtract .060 from the final digits. Due to cache density, A short Drive will be reqired from the Visitor Center parking area.

You can check your answers for this puzzle on Geochecker.com

Stealth will be required and Caution Must be used as this cache is located near the roadway

While you’re here check out GC16X58 and GC163DK.