Hidden History Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

NHX: Moved out of the area. No longer able to maintain this cache.

More
Hidden : 6/8/2011
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size: small (small)

Join now to view geocache location details. It's free!

Watch

How Geocaching Works
Looking for a different adventure?

Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions in our disclaimer.

Geocache Description:

100 yards east of this location--in the trees next to the onramp to southbound 99--sits one of the most unappreciated and important sites in California’s colorful history.

In early 1846--weary of an all-out invasion from the east--the Mexican government had ordered all immigrants who had lived in California for less than a year to leave the territory.

Incensed by this decree, and emboldened by the presence of John C Fremont and a US military force of 60 at the north end of the valley, thirteen local settlers decided to take matters into their own hands.

In the dawn of June 10th, 1846, those settlers--led by Ezekiel “Stuttering” Merritt--crept up on Murphy’s Rancho (AKA Murphy’s Corral) which once stood on the seemingly benign farmland you seek now. There, they surprised and overwhelmed a small Mexican force who were camped for the night while transporting 200 horses from Sonoma to Monterey.

Although no shots were fired and no lives were lost--this incursion is considered by historians to be the first battle in the Mexican-American war. Four days later, the same men would capture General Mariano G Vallejo and several other high-ranking Mexican officials near Sonoma. Together, these actions would become known as “The Bear Flag Revolt”--the very genesis of the great state of California.

Unfortunately, most would have no idea such a significant event occurred here. When construction on the now abandoned Lent Ranch Mall project and related freeway “improvements” began to the north and east respectively, this historic location was obscured even more than it already was. There used to be a landmark south of Grantline where the old onramp began, but it has since been uprooted and discarded on West Stockton Blvd with a “No Trespassing” sign posted nearby.

I hope you enjoy learning about this site, and will share its story with others.

-Congrats Geofungi for FTF!

-This is a quick grab just off the road--please do not enter any private property (including the historic site).

-Room for small tradeables.

-Please make sure the target is resealed and re-hidden securely upon retrieval!

Enjoy!

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

25ERQ28

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)

Advertising with Us