Follow the poem below starting at the posted coords for a Letterbox find. Final coords are the location of the cache.
In July of 1873, the small waterfront community had been selected as the western terminus of the Northern Pacific Railroad (NPRR). Under a tight deadline to connect the railroad to saltwater, the railroad raced to connect Tacoma to existing rail lines along the Columbia River at Kalama, WA. Using a diverse group of laborers, including over 750 Chinese workers, the line was built between the fall and winter of 1873 and regular train service began in January of 1874. The final leg of this railroad ran from Tenino to Tacoma, passing through the “burnt prairie” near Olympia. Thus, it became known as the Prairie Line.
The Prairie Line Trail project converts one mile of the historic Prairie Line railroad corridor, through downtown Tacoma, into a signature public space integrating a multi-use trail, historic/cultural interpretation, public art, multimedia, and green features.
"The Terminus" commemorates the first passenger depot established by the Northern Pacific at 17th Street and present-day South Hood Street, close to this location. The multiple forms of the sculpture help to remind us of the crowded terminal city that once surrounded this site, and the upturned suitcase hints at those who emptied their suitcases and put down roots, and those who merely passed through.
Take a journey from here to an earlier time,
When the Northern Pacific Railroad Line,
Chose a spot near this venue for their western extremity,
Thus giving rise to our “City of Destiny”.
The mountain to the South lent the city her name*,
The railway station meant she’d ne’er be the same.
Tacoma was appropriately born near Commencement Bay,
While Thea Foss managed tugs in the deep waterway.
Our adventure from here will explore art and history,
As we travel to the cache for this letterbox mystery.
First turn North, walk past the artistic sea orbs,
Reminiscent of sea life that live near our shore.
Before reaching the building where seafood is found,
Turn left up some stairs that will circle around.
At the top of the steps, continue on west.
The Prairie Line Trail is your newest quest.
Soon you’ll see “Where Rails meet the Sails” art
Both a mural and sculpture found in this part.
They evoke the old slogan enticing settlers to stay,
Recent re-vitalization spurs growth to this day.
Keep walking this trail and soon you will see,
A sorrowful depiction of our town’s history.
Many Chinese laborers died building the tracks,
The rail car depicts ashes held neatly in stacks.
A “Shipment to China,” this sober reminder,
Of sacrifices made during an era less kinder.
Many Chinese rail workers died from harsh conditions,
While building miles of tracks, a daunting mission.
Although we should have thanked those who survived,
They were driven from town in 1885,
After violence and fires left their district in ashes,
They were evicted from Tacoma, following these clashes.
They were sent from our city on the tracks they had built,
An ironic Tacoma legacy wrapped up in guilt.
Now go down the path by the museum until,
You reach the Pacific crosswalk and start up a hill.
There, a tall “Welcome Figure” carving you’ll see,
To harken the region’s Native American history.
Then cross at 17th, but stay on the Trail Line.
See the sculpture, “Maru,” a circle in time.
Recalling the Japanese language school located near,
Until Internment forced Japanese neighbors from here.
Now pass by West Coast Grocery and the Hay and Seed.
The cache will be found soon if these directions you heed.
Your objective is a sculpture aptly named “Terminus.
” A salute to the Tacoma citizens like us.
Who emptied our luggage to start a life.
In a place that we hoped would be free from all strife.
Now look for the cache in the form next to the suitcase,
Take care to return it out of view in its place.
Though tempted, do not take the stamp from inside,
For it’s what makes this a letterbox hide.
Bring your own inkpad to render your mark,
Since there’s not room in the box for one in this park.
*Mt. Rainier was originally called Takhoma or Tahoma