This is part of a series of three geocaches that highlight historic Jacksonville railways. The others are ‘Rails to Trails’ Multi-Cache (GC7P1P4) and ‘Make Tracks to Water’ (GC7P1Q4).
This cache fits plenty of trade/trackable items. Please do not cross over the fence. The geocache is not in, on or under this historic engine! There are two waypoints listed for parking options.
Instead of using coal, the ‘Tea Kettle” is a rare wood burning steam engine locomotive. It ran on a 5-mile, single track spur line connecting Jacksonville with Medford, where the main Oregon & California/Southern Pacific railroad line ran. Unfortunately this little engine proved underpowered to haul heavier freight loads up the 3% grade from Medford and earned nicknames such as “Peanut Roaster”, “The Toonerville Trolly” and “The Jerkwater”. Local children pulled pranks on the locomotive, such as greasing the rails, hopping on for free rides, and mashing pennies, pins and bullets on the tracks. After 1895 the railway used larger, more powerful locomotives.
Thanks to the Jacksonville Heritage Society, Engine #1 was purchased, restored and returned to her home, resting on her original tracks!
This is a popular place, so watch out! Quietest times are before the Bavarian restaurant opens at 3p Monday-Thursday and 10:30a Friday - Sunday.
Placed with the permission of Bigham Knoll Group LLC and Jacksonville Heritage Society. The specific location was approved.