This Cache is placed as part of the 2022 Taconic Region Geocaching Challenge. The NYS Parks Saratoga-Capital Region and the Central Region will be hosting a similar challenge. Find 45 challenge caches in the Taconic Region and stamp your passport to earn a trackable geo-coin. Ten caches found in the Sara-Cap and/or Central Region Challenge can be used toward the Taconic Challenge. This cache contains a unique stamp which must stay with the cache. Use this stamp to mark your passport. This stamp is NOT a trade item.
Please visit https://parks.ny.gov/documents/regions/2022TaconicRegionGeocacheChallenge.pdf to print your passport.
For park fees, directions, maps and park updates, download the New York State Explorer App to your mobile device from the Apple and Google Play stores or be sure to check the Taconic State Park website for updated information and a trail map at: https://parks.ny.gov/parks/taconicruddpond/maps.aspx
About this area: People have mined iron in the Taconic region since the late 1700s. The first iron furnace with a steam-powered bellows was built on this site in 1847. Caleb Maltby purchased the mine in 1861 and the Maltby Iron Company produced a high grade of iron used exclusively for making railroad wheels.
According to legend, Caleb Maltby, an ardent Republican, closed the mine in 1884 because a Democrat, Grover Cleveland, was elected president. The Thomas Iron Company continued to work the mine, but not the furnace, until 1893. After the mine closed, the ore bed filled with groundwater; it is now known as Iron Mine Pond. (Source: hmdb.org)
About this cache: You will find this cache near Iron Mine Pond, perhaps near some replica slag.