Welcome to the Sunshine State Geoart series. Each of the caches highlight a specific location in Florida. None of the caches are located at the coordinates listed on the cache pages. You will need to solve the puzzle below in order to obtain the correct coordinates.
All caches are soda bottle preforms containing only a log. You will need your own writing utensil or stamp (no stickers please). All caches are within 30’ of grassy or graded shell rock trails suitable for biking and hiking (unless noted otherwise). Please bring plenty of water and snacks.
The Laurel Hill area attracted some of the earliest settlers once Florida became part of the United States in 1821. The origins of the town of Laurel Hill are directly tied to the railroad. In 1883 the railroad from Pensacola to the Apalachicola River was completed, giving easy access to the interior of West Florida for the first time.Reaching Laurel Hill about 1892, the Yellow River Railroad established its headquarters, with the railroad shops, engine house and a commissary. Eric von Axelson was hired by the railroad as their land commissioner, in charge of selling off all of the cut-over land. When Mr. von Axelson came to the area Laurel Hill was just a logging camp. The area was not even known as Laurel Hill yet. It was platted and renamed Laurel Hill, purportedly inspired by a large laurel tree which grew in the center of the community. Growing rapidly, the community was incorporated by the Florida Legislature in 1905.
What was the name of the town in 1828?
You can validate your puzzle solution with certitude.