This cache is located near the former grade of the Blendon Lumber Company Railroad, west of the former village of Blendon Landing. The cache is hidden on rural road right-of-way.
Located on a steep bluff overlooking the Grand River, there was once the booming village of Blendon Landing. Blendon Landing began in 1855, as a company town run by John Ball and his company. Worker Houses were constructed and they began building a railroad. By 1860, the village had 30 - 40 buildings including a large sawmill and a ship building yard. The railroad was running successfully. It was a narrow gauge line, using a steam locomotive. This is believed to be the first time a steam locomotive was used on a logging railroad in the US. The locomotive was called Old Joe. 'Old Joe' hauled 100,000 board feet in multiple day trips that supplied timber to port cities like Chicago. Old Joe could pull 6 to 8 cars loaded with timber. It would make 5 trips a day hauling lumber from the forests to the sawmill at the landing. In 1864 the sawmill burned and in 1870 the railroad was abandoned. By 1912 the town was completely deserted.
BLCRR Topo Map
The Blendon Lumber Company Railroad was constructed in 1855. It was a 7 Mile long (including spurs and branches) narrow gauge line. It was built from Blendon Landing, south to the area of Bauer, at a place called Culp's Mill. When the Blendon Landing Sawmill burnt down in 1864, progress halted. By 1870, the railroad was abandoned, as was the town.
Sources:
History of Blendon Township
"Blendon Landing: A mid 19th century logging railroad, sawmill, and shipyard village in West Michigan" By Carl Bajema and Janet Brashler. Grand Valley State University
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