This is one of ten caches placed for the 2011 Cache Across Maryland. Each location was picked specifically to give you a taste of the state and show you just a part of its beauty. By combining all ten, you'll be able to see why Maryland is truly "America in Miniature". We hope you enjoy them!
This cache is DNR Approved. It is in the Pocomoke River State Forest, which is open ONLY from Dawn to Dusk! A scenic walk past majestic trees and countless cypress knees leads to an historic area along the Pocomoke River. A forest trail will take you to a Reference Point and continue between Private Properties to a second Reference Point on State Forest Land, and open woods. If you’re lucky, you may see the resident woodcocks and evidence of roosting eagles!
The first Reference Point also marks a trail to a spectacular view of the Pocomoke River. At low tide you can see rotting pilings, all that remain of Gibb's Ferry and Mattaponi Landing.
In 1666 this area was the Western-most part of Mattapony Hundred in Somerset County and was an established landing for travelers on the Pocomoke River. It was carved away in 1742 to become part of Worcester County. In the mid-1700's Abraham Gibbs operated a ferry crossing here. In 1794 the land on both sides of the river was sold to the Cottingham family, who were licensed to operate the ferry through 1816. It is not known when the ferry ceased operation.
Before roads were established between communities almost all passenger and freight traffic was carried on the river. Vessels of all kinds made stops at established landings, including Gibb's Ferry (also known as Mattaponi Ferry or Mattapony Landing) . Special steamships called 'sidewheelers' were built from after the War of 1812 until about 1920 to make traveling the narrow and crooked Pocomoke River easier. Now few commercial ships are seen and the old landings are rotting and the roads leading to them are overrun by forest.
The cache is a Lock&Lock containing trade items.