Skip to content

Fountains of Healing Waters Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

Bocco: The cache has gone missing.
Thanks to all who visited our cache.

More
Hidden : 8/14/2018
Difficulty:
4 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   micro (micro)

Join now to view geocache location details. It's free!

Watch

How Geocaching Works

Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions in our disclaimer.

Geocache Description:


The cache is a Groundspeak bison located at the entrance to Ye Coole Springs. There is no need to go into the plantings or to tread on the landscaping to find the cache. The cache is not located on any man made structure.



Hundreds of years ago, local indigenous people and then the early colonials recognized these springs as having special healing properties. In the year 1698, the Maryland legislature paid 25 pounds sterling to John Dent to purchase 50 acres of his land around the springs here in order to erect a building which would house the springs for the purpose of healing, thus creating one of the first hospitals in North America.

"As early as 1698, Governor Francis Nicholson, 'having received an account of some extraordinary cures wrought at Ye Cool Springs' in order that their beneficial properties might be availed of by all persons, the legislature appointed trustees to 'purchase the land adjoining to ye Fountains of Healing waters, called ye Cool Spring, in Saint Mary's County, for houses to be build on for ye entertainment of such poor, impotent persons as should resort hither for cure.
An appropriation of L100 s. was made, a building was erected, bibles and prayer-books were furnished and a lay reader appointed, who was to read prayers twice a week, for which he was to receive twelve pence per day. 'His Excellency is also pleased to allow to the said people, every Sunday, a mutton, and as much corn as as will amount to thirteen shillings a week'. It was also 'ordered, that the person who reads the prayers take an account of what persons come thither, who are cured, and of what distempers." - Chronicles of Colonial Maryland: With Illustrations by James Walter Thomas

The springs are still fresh and pure, but there is a warning to not drink the water.

Congratulations to sallysomd on the First To Find!

Additional Hints (No hints available.)