Sometimes memorial markers pop up in the strangest locations... But, one thing is for sure, when it comes to honoring our war veterans, they are always worth a stop and look. This simple field puzzle serves to bring a little attention to one such marker, which is located just off the Assabet River Rail Trail in Marlborough.
Luman Fairbanks was a veteran of the Union Army during the American Civil War. For more than two years, he fought in several large battles - including three of the ten battles with the highest casualties during the entire war. He was fortunate enough to survive them all... until he arrived at the single bloodiest conflict, Gettysburg. Over this 3-day period in July, it is estimated that more than 48,000 soldiers were killed or wounded on both sides combined... including our local hero, Luman, who died on the battle's second day.
To solve the puzzle and make your way to the final, you will just need to obtain answers to a few questions upon visiting the site. Once you have your answers, simply plug them into the following coordinate equation which will yield the final location.
Please bring your own pen and do NOT post any close-up pictures of the plaque!
FINAL LOCATION: N 42 AB.CDE, W 071 FG.HJK
QUESTIONS:
- What is the only "number" that appears on the first line of the plaque? ___ = A
- Luman Fairbanks began serving in the Union Army on 29 June 186B ___ = B
- Which Infantry Company did Luman served in... ___? Which letter of the alphabet is this? ___ = C
- Luman Fairbanks died in which year... 186D? ___ = D
- What is the only "number" that appears on the last line of the plaque? ___ = E
- How many words are on the fourth line of the plaque? ___ = F
- How many words are on the second line of the plaque? ___ = G
- A short distance to the right of the stone marker is a telephone pole. What number pole is it? (Look up about 10 feet) ___ = H
- How many words are on the third and fourth line of the plaque combined? ___ = J
- On which day in July did Luman die? ____ Add this to the last digit for the year that he died ("D" from above) to determine "K" ____ = K
This hide was placed during the week of Veteran's Day and is dedicated to the memory of Luman Fairbanks and to the sacrifice that he and his family endured so that we could all enjoy a better way of life.
Good luck and have fun out there! Be sure to thank a modern-day veteran for their service!
Congratulations to Runr5000 for the FTF!