This Letterbox-Hybrid Cache, JUNCTION, is dedicated to the reminiscence and admiration of Roseville’s early dwellers. It is part of a series of caches called: “CACHE OUT IN ROSEVILLE”
Would-be gold seekers who flocked to California after 1848 had little thoughts of staying. Their intention was to strike it rich and return home as soon as possible. As time went by, however, many disappointed miners returned to their former occupations. Professional men returned to being storekeepers, merchants; and farmers and ranchers began to fan out over the plains to stake out claims on potentially rich agricultural lands that could be had almost for the asking.
However, there was great difficulty in getting goods to market. The farm wagons were slow and cumbersome and did not cover much territory. Under such conditions, there was a big demand for building a railroad towards Sacramento.
Meanwhile a railroad, The Sacramento Valley Railroad, was being built from Folsom to Sacramento in 1856. It was 22 miles long. Residents of southwest Placer County began to plead for an extension to their area to meet their needs. Finally, by the 1860’s, the California Central Railroad was on its way to being built – right thru present day Roseville and on up to Lincoln and then Marysville. The picture below shows the California Central making its way from Folsom (in the background) to Junction. But back then, there was no city named Roseville just yet. The place where the two railroads intersected was designated as JUNCTION on all of the railroad maps.
In 1864, plans were drawn up for a new town called “Roseville”. No one is absolutely sure why they picked this name, but it is known that the earliest residents liked this name. Indeed there were many wild roses growing in profusion along shady ravines and creek banks. This letterbox-hybrid cache pays tribute to the original name of the city, Junction. (The Story of Roseville, California . . . Milestones & Memories 1850-2000” by Leonard M. Davis)
Directions to the Letterbox-Hybrid:
- At the starting coordinates (also the perfect place to park), walk southwest across the street towards the light signal next to the green storage sign (intersection of Junction and Washington).
- Head west down Washington Blvd on the pedestrian/bike path.
- Keep going towards a group of tall trees on your right up ahead.
- Right before the first tall tree, note a row of oleanders along the side of the storage building.
- Head down the incline and then back up, aiming for the last oleander bush in the row.
- Letterbox-hybrid is located inside the foliage, near the base of the plant.
- Exchange stamp images and replace as found.