This Cache is placed as part of the 2019 New York State Park Central Region Geocache Challenge. There are approx. 70 geocaches hidden within 20 state parks and historic sites in this parks region, the first 100 people to find 45 or more caches will receive a special geocache challenge coin. If you are interested in taking up the challenge, you can pick up a geocache passport at any of the participating parks and sites or download it at http://www.nysparks.com/
NYS Parks Saratoga - Capital region and the Taconic region will be hosting a similar challenge!! 10 caches found in the Sara-Cap and/or Taconic region Challenge can be used toward the Central Challenge.
Be sure to check each park or site’s unique web page for possible trail maps and other facility specific information. https://www.nysparks.com/
Be sure to bring a good old fashioned GPSr with you, as many of our beautiful State Parks/ Historic sites have limited or no cell service!!!
This cache contains a unique stamp which must stay with the cache. Use this stamp to mark your passport. This stamp is NOT a trade item. Some of the items in the cache are park souvenirs and do not need to be replaced with a trade item.
Visitors to Fort Ontario State Historic Site today will see the star-shaped fort dating to the early 1840's with 1863 to 1872 improvements. There are two Guardhouses, two officer's quarters and Enlisted Men's Barracks. The fort grounds and fort ramparts feature magnificent views of Lake Ontario.
The fourth and current Fort Ontario is built on the ruins of three earlier fortifications dating to the French and Indian War, Revolutionary War, and War of 1812. It was occupied by the U.S. Army through World War II.
From 1944 to 1946 the fort served as the only refugee camp in the United States for mostly Jewish victims of the Nazi Holocaust under an Executive Order from President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Self-guided Tours inside the fort are available to the public during the operating season: $4 Adults, $3 Seniors/Students, Children 12 and under Free. https://parks.ny.gov/historic-sites/20/details.aspx