Hallowed Ground - The Churches
The Battle of Antietam would result in over 23,000 killed, wounded or missing in action. The carnage was unspeakable. For the first time in man’s warfare, the results, the grim visages were photographically recorded by the likes of Matthew Brady and Alexander Gardner. The aftermath for the area and for sites many miles away was often just as grim, bloody and fraught with death as the actual battle. Makeshift hospitals were set up under any kind of roof, lean-to or tent. Churches, the subject of this cache, were the first to be pressed into service due to their larger size. Caregivers, eyewitnesses and the wounded alike agreed that the smell of death pervaded these communities.
This cache is Not at the posted coordinates. Those will be employed later as this puzzle unfolds. There are two ways to do this. First, go on location to the churches, coordinates provided, and glean the equation digits. You will also need to do some research before heading into the field. The second method is a desktop adventure that makes handy use of the mapping tools in the g**gle firmament, to include map, satellite and street view as well as precise navigation and zooming at street level. Be prepared to do a bit of online research as well. This latter method was designed for all the home bound during the recent scourge. Be assured you will have to leave the desk or tablet and go find the actual geocache.
The coordinate puzzle for this adventure is as follows –
N 39. 28. A B C, W 077 4 D. E F G
Let’s get started.
Dunkard Church Flattened by Storm
Exercise # 1 – The Dunkard Church N 39 28.521, W 077 44.784
Mark these coordinates on the map. Alight precisely on the map to the obscure blue circle nearby. Manipulate the photo to view the church. Ironically, the Dunkard Brethren were a pacifist group that derived their name from their particular form of baptism – dunking. Land for the church was donated by the same D. R. Miller whose cornfield was to be become famous for much more than shelled corn. During the Battle, this church was the focal point of multiple Union attacks against the Confederate left flank. After the Battle, the Confederates used the church as a field hospital. Research – find the year that The Dunkard Church was flattened by a violent wind storm. The second digit of that year = “A.” Photo credit to Matthew Scudder.
St. Paul's Episcopal
Exercise # 2 – St. Paul’s Episcopal Church N 39 27.433, W 077 45.153
Built in 1819, St. Paul’s Episcopal was a stone structure with a ladder pulpit and galleries on three sides of the sanctuary. During the battle, the building was used by the Confederates as an observation post and hospital. Later it served Union wounded. Rebuilt in 1871, the structure was moved closer to the street, using fieldstone from the original. The old bell, hidden during the war, was remounted and still calls the faithful to worship. Adjust your street level picture to see from the street to the front door. Count the number (x) of All steps from asphalt (street) to church floor level and subtract 8 = “B” (x – 8) = B (Note: if foliage obstructs your street view, try g**gling the church name for photos.)
Exercise # 3 – Christ Reform UCC N 39 27.479, W 077 44.989
Dating from 1832, this church served the congregation of the German Reformed Church. In the aftermath of the Battle, this church was used as a hospital. Stained glass windows in the church were donated by church members and by comrades of those that found shelter within its walls after the Battle. Get a good frontal look at this brick edifice. Find the number (y) of specialty (artsy, think dimple) bricks on the front façade and multiply by two. Subtract that product from the total number (z) of white carved supports on the upper brick wall= “C.” z - (y x 2) = C
Exercise # 4 - Holy Trinity Lutheran N 39 27.538, W 077 44.762
The church here at street level is not the one that was present on the day of Battle. Its predecessor stood at the same spot, and during the battle, Confederate forces used the cupola as a signal station. The church was of course used as a hospital in the aftermath. Wood from the church pews was used for coffins. Find the total number (x) of round windows up on the belfry and subtract one = “D”. You may need to navigate this corner to be certain. (x – 1) = D.
Tolson's Chapel
Exercise # 5 – Tolson’s Chapel N 39 27.367, W 077 44.786
Tolson’s Chapel (Methodist) appears much the same today as it did in 1866 when built by the Sharpsburg African American community. The building also doubled as a Freedman’s Bureau School from 1868-1870 and as a county-run Sharpsburg Colored School until 1899. The building has been restored by the Friends of Tolson’s Chapel - https://tolsonschapel.org/history/. << Research this site. One of those buried in the Chapel Cemetery was a slave that was freed prior to the Civil War. She donated her bible to the Chapel. That bible is now on display at the Antietam National Battlefield museum. Find her name. Count the number (x) of letters in her first name and subtract four = “E”. ( x – 4) = E
Exercise # 6 – The Statue N 39 27.866, W 077 43.693
Time to get out of Dodge and head for the posted coordinates east of town on MD-34. Alight near the coordinates and toggle to find a famous Confederate commander on his horse. Determine who that general is and research the name of his horse. Count the number (x) of letters in the horse’s name and subtract by seven = “F”. (x – 7) = F
Exercise # 7 - Mount Vernon UCC N 39 28.994, W 077 42.137
Traveling east, alight in front of this magnificent, if somewhat old, brick church. This is the second edition church on this site. The original served as Union commander George McClellan’s headquarters before the hostilities commenced. After the Battle, it served as a Union hospital as did the entire community of Keedysville. A large hole was dug outside one of the rear windows, into which amputated arms and legs were thrown. Please do not go around back and start digging! Oops, this is virtual stuff. So, how many chimneys are visible on the church, add three = “G.” (x + 3) = G
This last exercise has put you into flank position to make an assault on this geocache. The cache is placed with the full knowledge and permission of the land owner. The cache is regular in size, painted to blend with its surroundings. Checksum of Exercise inputs is 31.
Available ONLY during daylight hours!