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DC Hidden Murals #22: How We Live Traditional Cache

Hidden : 1/3/2013
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
1 out of 5

Size: Size:   micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:

The twenty-second in a series of caches I hope will bring attention to DC's wealth of "hidden" mural art.

Garin Baker's 2008 mural shows the African-American heritage of the neighborhood, the changing community and landscape and historical and architectural scenes from the past and present.

mural photo

From Wikipedia:

LeDroit Park is a neighborhood in Washington, D.C. located immediately southeast of Howard University. Its borders include W Street to the north, Rhode Island Avenue and Florida Avenue to the south, Second Street NW to the east, and Georgia Avenue to the west.

The neighborhood was founded in 1873 by Amzi Barber, a businessman who served on the board of trustees of neighboring Howard University. Barber named the neighborhood after his father-in-law, LeDroict Langdon, but dropped the ‘c’.

As one of the first suburbs of Washington, LeDroit Park was developed and marketed as a "romantic" neighborhood with narrow tree-lined streets that bore the same names as the trees that shaded them, differing from the street names used in the rest of the city. Extensive focus was placed on the landscaping of this neighborhood, as developers spent a large sum of money to plant flower beds and trees to attract high profile professionals from the city. Originally a whites-only neighborhood, LeDroit Park was even gated with guards to promote security for its residents. Efforts by many, especially multiple actions by students from Howard University, led to the integration of the area. In July 1888 students tore down the fences that separated the neighborhood in protest of its discriminating policies.

By the 1940s LeDroit Park became a major focal point for the African-American elite as many prominent figures resided there. Griffith Stadium was also located here until 1965, when the Howard University Hospital was built where it used to stand. Le Droit Park includes Anna J. Cooper Circle, named for the education pioneer. Today, LeDroit Park residents represent a wide variety of ethnic groups. The diversity entices new residents to the community, as well as its close proximity to the Shaw–Howard University Metro station and many dining options.

As usual with these city hides, coords are approximate; once you see the mural you may need to rely on your geosense more than your GPS. Clue is a dead-giveaway so use only as a last resort. Please remember to use stealth, replace just as found, and don't forget your writing utensil -- enjoy!

-- Congrats to flowerman for the FTF! --

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Tyhrq gb lbhe frng juvyr nqzvevat gur zheny?

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)