The North Forty Traditional Cache

Been itching to place a few new caches and since I drive this way to work and home everyday I thought this might a good spot to start some caches in the north (forty) valley.

The term "north forty," from which this cache takes its name, has agricultural roots tied to the Homestead Act of 1862. The Homestead Act allowed for the transfer of 160 acres (a quarter section) of unoccupied public land to each homesteader on payment of a nominal fee after five years of residence or a fee of $1.25 an acre after six months of residence.

Homesteads were generally laid out in four quarters on a north, south, east and west square of 40 acres each. "North forty" was a reference to the northern most block of the homesteader's property. Subsequently, rural people referred to property as the "north forty," the "south forty" or even the "back forty." It does not always mean an actual 40 acres--it could be more, or it could be less.

The cache is a little different from the norm and might present a challege to some, but others will find it easily.

Lincoln Road can be busy so you might have a lot of muggles passing by as you attempt this. If you park right, you can shield yourself from some of them.

As always, please bring a scribblin stick and most of all, have fun.