**PLEASE NOTE: While this cache is still active for you to enjoy, all the coins for this trail have been claimed. If you are still interested in earning a coin, check out the gadgets of Marion County Geocaching Trail.**
Welcome to the Marion County Geo Trail!
The Marion County Geo Trail is comprised of 10 unique caches designed to help you explore Marion County. Nestled in the rolling hills of West Virginia, Marion County is home to a plethora of historic and scenic locations from the first fathers-day service to breathtaking waterfalls. After completing all 10 geocaches on the tour and exploring everything Marion County has to offer, stop by our visitor center (GC8T5FR) to claim a unique souvenir from your time in the middle of everywhere! More information is available here: https://marioncvb.com/geocaching/
MCGT #9: Number Nine Memorial
The Farmington Mine disaster was an explosion that happened at approximately 5:30 a.m. on November 20, 1968, at the Consol No. 9 coal mine north of Farmington and Mannington, West Virginia, USA. The explosion was large enough to be felt in Fairmont, almost 12 miles away. At the time, 99 miners were inside. Over the course of the next few hours, 21 miners were able to escape the mine, but 78 were still trapped. All who were unable to escape perished; the bodies of 19 of the dead were never recovered. The cause of the explosion was never determined, but the accident served as the catalyst for several new laws that were passed to protect miners.
Don't forget to record the special code word written on the lid and first page of the logbook!
About This Cache: You are searching for a large lock-n-lock container located at the number nine memorial; please be respectful when in the area. For this reason, night caching is not recommended. Parking is available at the gate, if closed, following the path to GZ. Please rehide well to ensure other people not searching for the cache will stumble upon it. Thanks for visiting!
Important Note! The gate to the large lot within the memorial grounds is generally locked with the expection of holidays. Parking is available just in front of the locked gate; there is an entrance to the left of the locked gate that allows visitors to walk into the grounds. Please do not crawl under the fence to access the cache. Park and walk to ground zero.