Bladensburg (Former MML) Traditional Cache
Calvertcachers: Thanks to everyone who found this cache and who enjoyed the MML series!
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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in our disclaimer.
This cache was part of the original MML Geotrail which
launched on January 1, 2009.
The Maryland Municipal League
Geocache Trail
Celebrating Maryland’s Cities and Towns.
The MML Geotrail & geocoin promotion has now ended but look for
another MML geocaching project in the
future.
Bladensburg was named in honor of Sir Thomas Bladen, whose term as
Provincial Governor began in 1742, the year that the town was
established. It was an important port in colonial Maryland; by the
time of the Revolution it was handling an ocean tonnage larger than
any port in the colonies with the exception of Yorktown,
Virginia.
The harbor was reported to have a depth of forty feet and
could
easily accommodate ocean-going vessels. The port’s chief
commodity was tobacco, and when the area’s overworked fields
became less fertile and serious silting of the Anacostia River
began, the town’s fortunes slid into a decline that lasted
for a century and a half. In 1940, the population was less than 400
people.
The town flourished briefly as a passenger and freight transfer
point when in 1832 the U.S. Congress refused to permit the
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad to enter the National Capital.
Bladensburg became the southern terminus for the discharge of
passengers and freight until the ban was lifted in 1835. Samuel F.
B. Morse strung the first telegraph line along that railroad right
of way and is reported to have received the world’s first
telegraph message in Bladensburg in 1844—before he sent his
famous “What Hath God Wrought” message.
The present town of Bladensburg was incorporated in 1854 and
retained its commission form of government until 1947. In that
year, the town was enlarged by the addition of the Sunnybrook
subdivision and, under a new charter; a Mayor and Council form of
government was established.
The town is aggressively pursuing the economic revitalization of
the business district, promoting its historic sites, and
redeveloping the Bladensburg Waterfront Park as a marina and
tourist destination. The town welcomes neighbors and visitors
from
afar to discover its trail system, historic sites, and the beauty
of the Anacostia River, and to consider living in
Bladensburg.
The cache is located at the beautiful Bladensburg Waterfront
Park.
You are seeking a small lock and lock container painted to fit into
the surroundings. Be sure to rehide the container exactly as
found.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Puhtn Puhtn Pubb Pubb
YbbxHaqre naq ernpu