**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 #3: Legends of Marion County
Johnnie Johnson, also known as the Father of Rock and Roll, is a Fairmont native, born in 1924. Being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Johnson is famous for his jazz, blues, and rock and roll medleys. Johnson is remembered with an annual festival showcasing the impact he had on blues and rock & roll.
Col. George S. “Spanky” Roberts is the first African American military pilot from West Virginia. After receiving his pilot’s license in the Civilian Pilot Training Program, Roberts entered aviation cadet training with the first class of Tuskegee Airmen in July 1941, the “washing out” rate was high, with only five of the 13 in George Roberts’ class graduating.
Julia Pierpont is the wife of Francis H. Pierpont, often referred to as the Father of West Virginia. Mrs. Pierpont is accredited with starting Decoration Day, now known as Memorial Day. She is buried alongside her husband at Woodlawn Cemetery.
“Aunt Hat” Wilson (Harriet, Hattie, Little Hat Wilson Whitely) is thought to be the last slave sold in West Virginia showcasing the significance of history from around the time of the Civil War. She lived in Fairmont when the old suspension bridge leading into downtown Fairmont was built and her image will look out over the space where the old bridge used to cross Monongahela River. It is believed that she and her family belonged to a man who built the suspension bridge.
Finally, a depiction of a traditional West Virginia coal miner pays tribute to the heritage of the area as well as all the brave men who lost their lives serving the great state of West Virginia.
Don't forget to record the special code word written on the back of the logbook!
About This Cache: This cache is the replacement for MCGT #3: The First Fathers Day. Its location is no longer suitable for a cache, so this is now the official third stop on the MCGT. If you have already completed the tour or have located the original cache, you may still redeem your special souvenir without locating this cache. This cache is a micro-sized container located in a high muggle traffic area. Unfortunately, this location could not house a larger container, so you are looking for a small silver bison tube. Please replace exactly as found to ensure this redux cache stays in place.