This multi-stage geocache is designed to take you on a short walking tour of historic downtown Lafayette. Downtown Lafayette was added to the National Register of Historic Places at the end of 2013. It is the town where I was raised, which helped shape who I've become today. Some of my family remains there, and my mother, getting on in years now, remains active on the preservation foundation. This cache is named similarly to other caches scattered around the country that commemorate downtowns and their history.
"The Township of Lafayette was named in honor of the distinguished patriot, the Marquis de Lafayette, on the occasion of his triumphal return to America in 1824. Lafayette Township has the distinction of being the first town, city or township in the nation to be named after the General. It consists of approximately 12,000 acres and 2538 residents (per the 2010 census)." Courtesy: Lafayette Preservation Foundation
"In 1750, the first settler, Henry Bale, chose what was then a wilderness as the site of his home and eventually, a mill. The settlement grew to include three schools, three churches, two mills, three general stores, a foundry and an assortment of shops and hotels. The centerpiece of this growing village was the Ludlam House" (later re-named the Mabee House for the last family to own it before being sold to the town in 1968) Courtesy: Lafayette Preservation Foundation
Those wishing to immerse themselves in more local history can read further at these two links below. And if you know something I don't, please feel free to include it in your "Found It" Log.
https://www.nps.gov/nr/feature/places/13001024.htm
The posted coordiates are for Stage 1 / suggested PARKING. Depending on the time of day and year, this area may be deserted or bustling. This is where you'll begin your stroll and where the 😃 will appear if (when!) you are successful.
To locate the final, use the information you've gathered along the way:
X = Establishment of the Historic Building (1812 = 0; 1822 = 8; 1832 = 9; 1838 = 7)
Y = Dedication of Franklin's Frolic (1958 = 7; 1982 = 4; 1985 = 5; 1995 = 1, 2004 = 6)
N 41°05.{X, Doors x3, Y} W 74°41 {Shields, Eagles +2, Wings}
The final contains a log, pencil, and can accomodate very small trades such as geocoins.