GC8YT1M The Gold Bug (Unknown Cache) in New York, United States created by Mr Montressor

GC8YT1M ▼

A cache by Mr Montressor Message this owner

Hidden : 08/22/2020

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: small (small)

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Geocache Description:

This cache is NOT located at the posted coordinates. It is located on the Reservoir Trails in Middletown. Do not attempt to search for this cache after sunset. Difficulty rating is for the puzzle portion of the cache - not the hide at the final destination. The rating for the cache itself would be a 2.

A Puzzle In Literature

"The Gold-Bug" is a short story published in 1843. The plot follows William Legrand, who was bitten by a gold-colored bug. His servant Jupiter fears that Legrand is going insane and goes to Legrand's friend, an unnamed narrator, who agrees to visit his old friend. Legrand pulls the other two into an adventure after deciphering a secret message that will lead to a buried treasure.

The story, set on Sullivan's Island, South Carolina, is often credited as one of the earliest examples of dectice fiction. The author became aware of the public's interest in secret writing in 1840 and asked readers to challenge his skills as a code-breaker. He took advantage of the popularity of cryptologyaphy as he was writing "The Gold-Bug", and the success of the story centers on one such cryptogram.

The author submitted "The Gold-Bug" as an entry to a writing contest sponsored by the Philadelphia Dollar Newspaper. His story won the grand prize and was published in three installments, beginning in June 1843. The prize also included $100, probably the largest single sum that was received for any of his works. "The Gold-Bug" was an instant success and was the most popular and most widely read of the author's works during his lifetime. It also helped popularize cryptograms and secret writing. The popularity continues to this day in the sport of Geocaching.