Long Creek Stagecoach Tour Multi-Cache
Long Creek Stagecoach Tour
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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The container is NOT at the posted coordinates, but they will get you started on your tour.
This multi-cache will guide you on a short tour of some of the only portions of the historic Decatur-Paris stagecoach road still driveable in Long Creek Township. This was an important route in the mid-19th century, and was frequently used by Abraham Lincoln as he rode the Eighth Judicial Circuit from 1847 to 1857. As you drive, try to imagine Mr. Lincoln traveling the route in his wagon 160 years ago.
Stop #1: Long Creek Church. You will begin your tour at the posted coordinates. This church was organized in 1837 by John Stickle Sr. This building was the fourth used by the church, and was built in 1914. From the posted coordinates, look at the stained glass window above the front door of the church. You should be able to read the words “Long Creek _ Church.” The partial coordinate “A” is the number of letters in the blank.
Proceed to Stop #2. You will be following the original Decatur-Paris road until you curve sharply south just before Stop #2.
Stop #2: Long Creek. This is the body of water for which this township was named. The old road crossed the field on your left as it ran southeast. The bridge plaque says “SEC _06B-TR.” The number in this blank is partial coordinate “B.” On the same line, the plaque also reads “1_60.” The number in this blank is partial coordinate “C.”
Proceed to Stop #3. The modern road crosses the old route just before Stop #3.
Stop #3: Long Creek Schoolhouse. In the 1850s, classes were held on this site in the original building of the Long Creek Church (from Stop #1), but that church was burned in an act of arson during the Civil War. The first Long Creek School was built on what is now the south side of the present road in 1861, but it burned in 1872. After it was replaced, it burned again in 1895, and it was replaced yet again. Finally, in 1915, the present school was built on the north side of the road to increase student capacity. Look at the front door of the school, and count the total number of windows, both square and rectangular, that immediately surround (or once surrounded) the doors. Add 3 to this number to get partial coordinate “D”.
Update: Sadly, the schoolhouse was torn down in January 2023. There were 5 windows surrounding the front door.
Proceed east to the Point Pleasant Cemetery. Take the first entrance and park your car to visit Stop #4 on foot. The old stagecoach road once ran southeast through the cemetery.
Please be respectful of this beautiful cemetery. Do not visit at night, and take care where you step.
Stop #4: Point Pleasant Cemetery. This cemetery was established in 1866. Here you will find the graves of John Jr. and Mary Stickle. John Stickle Jr.'s father had organized the Long Creek Church (from Stop #1), and John Jr. and Mary ran a tavern from their house along the stageroad. Once you find their shared grave marker, look at their dates of birth and death. To verify that you're at the correct grave, since it does not indicate “Jr.,” be sure that the marker says “Father and Mother” below the names. Add together the day of John Stickle's birth and death. This will give you partial coordinate “E.” Partial coordinate “F” is the last digit of Mary Stickle's year of birth.
Exit the cemetery and continue east down Walker Road. When you reach the tee, turn right on S. Point Pleasant Road. Proceed to Stop #5. After the road curves to the southeast, you'll be on the old stage road again!
Stop #5: The Stickle Tavern. After their marriage in 1844, John Jr. and Mary Stickle built a two-story house from hand-hewn walnut logs. They operated a tavern inn there, and it was a resting place for weary travelers along the Decatur-Paris stagecoach road. Abraham Lincoln was a good friend of the Stickles, and stopped there frequently while riding the circuit. The house has been heavily remodeled, but still stands today. The two-story portion is the original log structure. Count the number of shutters on the south wall of the two-story portion of the house. This number is partial coordinate “G.” Now count the number of windows on the west side of the house. Do not count basement windows. This number is partial coordinate “H.”
The final cache is a small container located at: N 39 4D.BAF W 88 4C.GHE
Due to this cache being placed on private property with permission, please approach ONLY from the north side.
We hope you've enjoyed our cache and the bit of local history. Take care!
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)