History
In order to establish a defense along the southern sea approach to Stockholm from naval attacks, a fortress was built in 1623 at Skansbacken in Dalarö. When King Karl X Gustav in 1655 shipped troops from Dalarö for a campaign in Poland this fortress had already fallen in disrepair. Possibly this state of the fortress and what it meant to the defense of Stockholm was noticed, because only one year later, 1656, the construction of a new fortress was begun on Stockskäret, the skerrie where Dalarö Skans is situated today. Responsibility for the construction was given to Johan Peter Kirstenius. In 1660 an inner fortress as well as an outer perimeter had been built. But after the wars of King Karl X Gustav the fortress again fell in disrepair.
Dalarö skans has had several reconditions and additions over the years but it is basically the same fortress today as it was in the middle of the 18th century.The architect was the famous fortress architect at that time, Erik Dahlberg, so the fortress is of great military and cultural significance.
In King Karl XI´s strategy for putting Sweden´s military capacity in shape again, restoration of Swedish fortresses played an important role. Erik Dahlberg, by now generalkvartermästare, in 1683 presented a proposal for the restoration of the fortress at Stockskäret.
But if was not until 1698 that the restoration began. Dahlberg, by now governor general of Livland, had once again presented a PM to King Karl XII where he sounded the alarm over the conditions of Swedish fortresses. No particular reaction could be observed but the new man in Dahlberg´s old position as head of fortifications, colonel Carl Stuart, gave the go ahead to the 15 years old proposal for the restoration of Dalarö Skans.
1719, Dalarö was obviously back in shape again because the Russian fleet, on a destroy mission in Swedish waters never attacked the fortress. The fortress was probably the key reason why they never burned Sandemar mansion.
In 1724, the fortress was ready for action, except for the tower. The commander´s quarters, a building that still exists, was also ready on the NE shore of the skerrie.
In 1752-53 the tower got a roof so that the topmost battery could be permanently positioned. And now the restoration was completed. Many reports though say that the quality of the restoration was poor. A blueprint from 1756 has a note on it that says that the tower doesn´t seem to be very solid and that it was doubtful if it would withstand enemy cannons.
In 1808 certain improvements were made in connection with the Finnish war.
In 1812 the last improvement took place, a barrack for the soldiers was built of wood. From that year the fortress deteriorated both in importance and condition and in 1854 it was taken off the list over important Swedish fortresses. Since 1920 it has been a base for sea scouts. In 1935 Dalarö Skans was declared a building memorial.
The memorial also covers the commander´s quarters from early 18th century and the burial ground for the crew, on the island Kycklingarna, SW of the fortress.
The cache
The box is placed in a stone wall, and is wrapped in a gray plastic bag.