This cache has been placed in an area just adjacent to The Rocky Fork Church and Cemetery entrance.
Rocky Fork Church originated before the Civil War when free people and slaves crossed the Mississippi River to begin life in Illinois, which was a free state. As early as 1816 the Church was one of the first Free State stops for slaves escaping Missouri.
This area continued to serve as both a way stop and escapee community even after the Missouri Emancipation Proclamation of 1865 which granted slaves their freedom.
Rocky Fork church suffered vandalism in the 1970’s and was destroyed by arson in 1988. Community members, black and white, were outraged and rallied to rebuild the church. At one time there were 300 people living in the Rocky Fork community. Today only the rebuilt church and its cemetery remain.
The National Park Service in 2002 designated a 287 acre tract of land in the Rocky Fork area as part of the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. The land which is still owned by the Boy Scouts Council is one of just three sites in Illinois that are officially verified as part of the network.
Please be respectful of the surroundings.
There is no reason to disturb anything on, or around the headstones or grave markers.
The cache is available dawn until dusk. DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS CACHE AT NIGHT.
The container is a Bison Tube that holds only a log sheet.
Bring a writing instrument to sign the log – this is a small log sheet so sign with date and name only.
Bugs, Insects, Critters, Snakes or Poisonous Plants could be present. Search accordingly.
Access to this cache is by a paved road with a small parking area available