WCG - Doubleday Hill Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

FrancisScottKey: Unfortunately the owner did not respond to the previous note so this is being archived. Should the owner decide to repair/replace this and have it unarchived, it can be done as long as it still conforms to the guidelines.

Regards,
FrancisScottKey
Volunteer Cache Reviewer

More
Hidden : 8/28/2013
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size: other (other)

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Geocache Description:


The Washington County GeoTrail

WCG - Doubleday Hill



The Washington County GeoTrail (WCG) launched on Saturday, September 14, 2013. The Trail consists of over thirty-five (35) geocaches placed at points of interest all over the County. Caches will be found in National, State, County and Town parks as well as at museums, wineries, historical sites and places of natural beauty. A trackable geocoin was awarded to the first 500 geocachers who completed the Washington County Geotrail. The original allotment of Coins has been exhausted and new parameters to receive the updated Coin are below.

 To be eligible for the coin, GeoCachers may download the Washington County GeoTrail passport online at www.visitHAGERSTOWN.com or pick one up in person at the Visitor Welcome Center at 6 N. Potomac Street. Completed passports may be verified on site at the above address or by mail.

Please note the following Change. Washington County GeoCoins will be available for purchase at the Visitor Welcome Center for GeoCachers who log 20 or more caches on the Washington County GeoTrail. The cost of the GeoCoin will be $10. An additional $3.50 shipping charge will apply for passports redeemed by mail. For more information about geocaching in Washington County and the full complement of local amenities, the above links are your gateway to historically beautiful Washington County!

Participating in the WCG geotrail is fun and we hope that many people join in. However, it is not a requirement for logging your find on this cache once you find the container.
WCG – Doubleday Hill

In 1861 Civil War times, Union Major Abner Doubleday led the former Fort Sumter Battery E, 1st U.S. Artillery to Williamsport to guard the vulnerable Potomac River crossings. It was there that he built a battery at the edge of a piece of land that was, and remains the town’s cemetery. It was also the highest point in Williamsport. Three siege guns were installed and Doubleday’s men held the position for several months.

More than 35 years later, three, three-inch ordinance rifle tubes were mounted on the breastworks of what was then called Battery Hill, and officially dedicated on July 4, 1897 to honor the soldiers who served, fought and died during the Civil War. Unfortunately, after 110 years outdoors, the rifle tubes had suffered much corrosion and vandalism. The tubes were removed from what had become known as Doubleday Hill and replaced with plastic replicas.


In recent years, a dedicated group of volunteers set to the task of refurbishing the original tubes. The group included elected officials, citizens and affiliated non-profits; they raised $70,000 in support through the General Fund of Williamsport and secured a $23,000 preservation grant from the Maryland Heritage Area Authority. The entire project included improvements to the monument site, the creation of a Williamsport Civil War walking/biking tour map and website, and installation of 13 interpretive wayside signs in town and along the C&O Canal.

The historic cannons were sent to Steen Cannons in Kentucky for restoration. Following the restoration, the cannons were mounted on period carriages and drawn by horses just as they were in 1897 and taken back to the original site for re-dedication. That re-dedication occurred in May of 2013. Since that day, there has been a steady stream of visitors to Doubleday Hill.

Pictured above with two of the three new Doubleday Hill CW tubes is Mr. Scott Bragunier who was the spark, heart and soul of the effort to place authentic ordinance back on the Hill.

The cache you seek is small, contained with a larger host. The Hill and Cemetery are strictly off-limits from dusk to dawn. Parking outside the cemetery area is preferred. Thank You.

The Washington County GeoTrail wishes to Thank the Hagerstown Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau for their timely and continuing assistance with this Washington County adventure.

The WCG also wishes to thank the following geocachers who spent countless hours in planning and deploying the caches – ALs Guide, Always Lost 00, Kitakima, LPYankeefan, nomaland, Snurt, tazscouter, and tiger77aam.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

AB OVEQF URER

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)


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