Father Juan de Padilla Monument Traditional Cache
Father Juan de Padilla Monument
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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While traveling the self-auto tour of the local historical sites of Council Grove, KS, I came across this location that I thought was quite interesting. This is a monument to Father Juan de Padilla, a Franciscan Friar that was killed in the general vicinity of this historical sign while trying to convert Native Americans to Christianity in the year 1542.
There used to be a Kansas state historical sign just south of Herington, KS, at one time honoring Father Padilla. That state historical sign was replaced a few years ago by another honoring President/General Dwight D. Eisenhower.
The historical sign at this location will explain how Father Padilla arrived in this area; his actions; and his death. On the hilltop roughly 200-300 meters or so to the SW, you will see a CROSS and a STONE monument honoring Father Padilla. Supposedly, this is his resting spot as well as a burial site for Native Americans. Also, there is a barb wire fence, a gate, and a pathway that appears to lead to the hilltop with monument.
HOWEVER, I asked the historian at the visitor center for the Kaw Mission State Historical Site if passing through the gate and visitation was allowed at the monument.
As of this writing, I was told that the monument is on private property and that the land owners DO NOT ALLOW visitation to the monument. So, like me, you will have to admire the monument from afar - try using binoculars. If you get lucky and the local land owners may pass by while you are searching for this cache - try asking then or inquire for yourself at the Kaw Mission visitor center.
Cache container that you will be searching for is a MATCH HOLDER.
DO NOT cross any fences or gates without proper permission, there is no need to cross anything other than a grassy ditch to get to GZ.
To get to this location, travel north/south on KS Hwy 177 and turn west onto 900 RD just past the southern city limits of Council Grove, KS. This road will be a well maintained gravel road. Travel on 900 RD for roughly 2-3 miles until you see the historical sign. You can just pull off the road safely enough at the gate.
Other sources:
http://www.kshs.org/kansapedia/juan-de-padilla/1
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11385.htm
http://kansasflinthills.wikispaces.com/Father+Juan+De+Padilla
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juan_de_Padilla
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Pybfr gb gjb iregvpnyyl fgnaqvat bowrpgf.