This cache is located on the Western Kentucky University campus near a small bridge. The area is of local interest for two reasons.
During the Civil War this area--then called Vinegar Hill--was home to a small fort, the remains of which can still be seen near the cache. A large bronze marker contains more information about the history of the area. It's worth a visit.
Bowling Green was a major intersection for the Louisville & Nashville railroad during the 19th century. As such it was of strategic importance as an access route into Kentucky, but also as a supply route for Nashville. Both the Union and the Confederacy saw the value of the area, but Albert Sydney Johnston's Confederates, under command of General Simon Bolivar Buckner, occupied the area on September 18, 1861.
Officially neutral during the Civil War, Kentucky was nevertheless sharply divided in its loyalties. To the east, in the mountainous, non-slaveholding regions, pro-Union sentiment was strong. In the west, where open, rich farmland favored plantation monoculture such as tobacco, Confederate sympathies were more strong. In response to Confederate occupation, the Confederate provisional government declared Bowling Green the capital of the Confederacy in Kentucky.
Confederate occupation, however, was destined to be short-lived. In February, 1862, Union forces under General Ulysses S Grant captured forts Henry and Donelson on the Cumberland river, threatening to cut off Confederate supply and reinforcement routes between Bowling Green and Nashville. In response, on February 14th, Confederate forces withdrew towards Nashville, burning the rail depot, bridges across the Barren River, and various buildings and supplies. Union occupation began shortly thereafter.
The area, and especially the bridge (built in the 20th century), is also significant in local campus lore. According to tradition, lovers who kiss on that bridge are destined to get married.
The container is off the path that runs under the bridge. You need your own pencil. Please re-hide it carefully, as this is a high-traffic area.
The WKU campus is quite pretty, especially in the spring when the cherry trees are in bloom. Help out and perform some CITO
Explore the area, and have fun!