The cache is hidden in what remains of the Port Robinson river lock, which was built in 1850. I stumbled across this piece of history while looking for some other geocaches in Port Robinson, and I was struck by how it was so accessible, yet barely any historical context was provided at the site. I love it when geocaching brings me to interesting historical places, so I hope that you will enjoy that aspect of this cache. You won't find much information about the lock at the site itself, so here is a bit more information for anyone who is interested in learning more.
Historical Background
The First Welland Canal was built in 1824 to 1829 to provide access to the upper Great Lakes that would bypass Niagara Falls. The original plan intended to use natural waterways as much as possible. This meant boats would follow the Twelve Mile Creek and its tributaries to Allenburg, where a two mile channel called "The Deep Cut" would connect to the Welland River. From there, the Welland River could be followed to the Niagara River in Chippawa, upstream from Niagara Falls. However, unexpected problems arose in 1828 when it was discovered that it would be too difficult to dig a channel deep enough to connect with the Welland River. It was decided that a shallower channel would be dug, and two wooden locks would be built in Port Robinson to connect the new canal with the Welland River. The town of Port Robinson grew around this area to service the locks connecting the First Welland Canal to the Welland River.
Not long after the completion of the First Welland Canal, it became evident that a more direct route to Lake Erie was needed, and a southern extension from Port Robinson to Port Colborne opened in 1833. Although the Welland River was no longer part of the main shipping route, the locks in Port Robinson were retained in order to provide a route for local trade for communities along the Welland River.
As the wooden locks deteriorated, they were replaced with one stone lock in 1850, and the connection remained navigable until the 1900's. Today the channel linking the two waterways has been filled in, and The Welland River flows approximately 400 m east of the lock, while the current Welland Canal flows 150 m to the west.